Abstract:
The process of blood clotting has been studied for centuries. A synopsis of
current knowledge pertaining to haemostasis and the blood components,
including platelets and fibrin networks which are closely involved in
coagulation, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on tissue factor (TF),
calcium and thrombin since these components have been implicated in both
the coagulation process and inflammation. Analysis of platelets and fibrin
morphology indicate that calcium, tissue factor and thrombin at
concentrations used during viscoelastic analysis (with thromboelastography
or TEG) bring about alterations in platelet and fibrin network ultrastructure,
which is similar to that seen in inflammation. Scanning electron microscopy
indicated that, when investigating platelet structure in disease, addition of
TF, calcium or thrombin will mask disease-induced alterations associated
with platelet activation. Therefore, washed platelets without any additives is
preferred for morphological analysis. Furthermore, morphological and viscoelastic analysis confirmed that thrombin activation is the preferred
method of fibrin activation when investigating fibrin network ultrastructure.
