What is the purpose of a platelet aggregation test and what color tube would you use to collect the specimen?

A physician may order an aggregation test if the patient is exhibiting symptoms of a bleeding disorder, abnormal platelet function, or low platelet count. Symptoms may include may include excessive bleeding, excessive bruising, bleeding from the nose or gums, or excessive menstrual bleeding. The test will show whether or not platelets are properly clumping together to form clots. The blood sample is collected in a light blue topped tube containing buffered 3.2% sodium citrate, which is then mixed gently immediately upon filling."

A platelet aggregation test checks how well a patient's platelets clump together to form blood clots. If platelets are not functioning properly, a person could hemorrhage to death if he experiences a traumatic injury. Share your knowledge of why this test is important with the interviewer.

"Aggregation is a term used to describe the clumping together of platelets which is essential for proper clotting when a person experiences some kind of cut or other wound that causes bleeding. A light blue top tube is used."