Platelet Aggregation test

What the risks are:

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

(Note: This test is often performed because the patient has a bleeding problem. Bleeding may be more of a risk for this person than for people without bleeding problems.)

Special considerations:

Medications that may alter test results include:

• aspirin
• aspirin (see salicylates - oral) compounds
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• tricyclic antidepressants
• antihistamines
• some antibiotics

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.