Introduction

A new method for the assessment of residual thrombotic potential of platelets in patients treated with anti P2Y₁₂ antiplatelet agent (e.g. clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor). The patented method, in addition to the assessment of the VASP phosphorylation status –gold standard method for the evaluation of P2Y₁₂ antagonism- is characterized by the measurement of the expression of platelet-associated Tissue Factor. This improved method allows the identification of patients on antiplatelet therapy who, although being good responders to the pharmacological treatment, show high levels of Tissue Factor expressing platelets, and are therefore at high residual thrombotic risk (about 10-20%).

Technical features

The in vitro laboratory tests currently available for evaluating the residual thrombotic potential of platelets in patients on antiplatelet therapy have limits in identifying the percentage of patients who are not responsive to antiplatelet therapy with a consequent high residual risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The assay developed involves the flow cytometric evaluation on platelets in whole blood (100µl) of the phosphorylation state of the VASP protein and the expression of Tissue Factor. Data processing makes use of a pre-set analysis scheme that guarantees an easy and fast execution. The interpretation of the result is facilitated by the use of a simple workflow that takes into account the data obtained.

Possible Applications

• Evaluation of residual thrombotic risk in patients with cardiovascular disease in secondary prevention;
• Support for the personalization of antiplatelet therapy;
• Monitoring of the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy.

Advantages

• High and accurate thrombotic risk prediction;
• Little amount of blood required;
• Fast execution test;
• Easy interpretation of results.