A computerized multichannel platelet aggregometer system.

Commercially available instrumentation for conducting platelet aggregation studies in clinical and research laboratories consists of one-, two-, or four-channel aggregometers used in conjunction with strip chart recorders. These instruments have limited utility in large-scale drug screening and evaluation of the mode of action of drugs or in the clinical diagnosis of platelet disorders. A new instrument, a computerized multichannel aggregometer system (CMPAS) has been developed to collect, display, and analyze platelet aggregation data. The system is comprised of a 24-channel Born-type aggregometer, interfaced to a Rockwell AIM-65 microcomputer through an analogue-to-digital converter and an Epson dot-matrix printer. Each channel is individually calibrated, and aggregation data can be collected on up to 24 different platelet-rich plasma samples simultaneously. Conversational programs written in BASIC prompt the user for the addition of agonists and inhibitors. The tracings for each channel are displayed simultaneously, and a program automatically analyzes the data to generate the following parameters: baseline optical density, maximum aggregation response, positive and negative slopes, time to peak aggregation, and percentage response. Computerized multichannel aggregometer system data outputs are comparable to data generated by a standard Chronolog aggregometer unit. The advantages of the system include multichannel capability, simultaneous display of all channels allowing relative comparisons between control and experimental groups, and time savings and improved efficiency in conducting and analyzing aggregation experiments.

Automated platelet aggregation analysis using a digitizer.

A method of rapidly entering, reducing, and interpreting data collected in platelet aggregation studies has been developed. The standard aggregometer output is a chart recording of light transmittance (or optical density) as a function of time following the addition of an aggregating agent to a cuvette containing platelet-rich plasma or washed, suspended platelets. Two problems associated with aggregation studies are the proper calibration of the aggregometer and recorder to insure that comparisons of data can be made from experiment to experiment and the need to find a convenient way to analyze and summarize the data generated. In this method, the chart recorder is calibrated using reference cuvettes containing water or a suspension of latex beads of a known optical density. Since the analysis and interpretation of aggregation curves can be a time-consuming task, a standard digitizer has been interfaced to a computer, allowing the X,Y coordinates of the data, and, thus, the time-aggregation history of the sample, to be entered into the computer. The cursor of the digitizer is traced over the aggregation curve and the X,Y coordinates are transferred either at operator-selectable points or at fixed time intervals. A computer program (AGGPAD) calculates and stores several variables (e.g., sample baseline density, the magnitude of the aggregation, time to peak aggregation, maximum aggregation rate, and maximum deaggregation rate) that can be easily retrieved. The system reduces analysis time by a factor of five and allows for automated data storage and retrieval. The method is applicable to any computer and hardware costs are below $1000.00.