Not all light transmission aggregation assays are created equal: qualitative differences between light transmission and 96-well plate aggregometry

In this short article, submitted as part of the review on platelet function testing, we illustrate the quantitative and qualitative differences between classical light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and 96-well plate aggregometry. We show that responses to platelet agonists and antagonists differ depending upon the method of aggregation testing. For example, in 96-well aggregometry, responses to collagen are strongly inhibited by P2Y(12) receptor antagonists while in LTA they are much less affected. Furthermore, we explore the importance of differences in the mechanical environment upon platelet aggregation. We emphasize that LTA and 96-well aggregometry are not interchangeable assays. These two assays are best used as complementary tests to explore platelet function in depth.