Platelets
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It has been suggested that thromboelastography TEG) can help in limiting or directing the appropriate use of blood products during surgery. However, the contribution of platelets to the TEG profile has not been studied in detail. Blood was taken from eight healthy subjects and eight patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). ⋯ In both controls and PAD patients there was a strong linear correlation between Log10 [platelet count] and MA (r = 0.97 for controls, r = 0.89 for PAD) and K time (r = -0.86 for controls, r = -0.68 for PAD). Correlation between Log10 [platelet count] and R time was poor in both groups. The MA and K TEG parameters may be most useful for assessing platelet transfusion requirements.