HAEMATOLOGY
Systematic limitations aside, one of the most common
challenges associated with research on platelet function disorders pertains to the availability of pathological specimens and sufficient PRP volume
The Sysmex CN-series is an automated haemostasis analyser in which LTA is integrated by default, in addition to the standard technologies utilised in the investigation of haemostatic disorders.
the Sysmex CN-series (Sysmex Corporation, Japan), of which LTA is integrated into the analyser by default, in addition to the standard clotting, chromogenic, immunoturbidimetric, and chemiluminescence technologies utilised in the investigation of haemostatic disorders. This LTA technology, combined with the Sysmex Revohem reagent portfolio (Hyphen Biomed, France), was first introduced into its predecessor, the CS-series, but then adopted and enhanced on the CN-series, including the automatic preparation and dilution of LTA agonists. The automation of LTA measurement and agonist dilution has led to the introduction of walkaway technology within LTA testing. As with the introduction of any new technology, there is a fundamental requirement to evaluate its performance compared to currently available and adopted platforms within clinical practice. This is how the AUTOPLATE study group was created…
The AUTOPLATE study group The AUTOPLATE study group is a multi-
centre collaboration between seven UK Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (listed in Table 1) to evaluate the performance of the new Sysmex CN-series LTA technology against semi-automated aggregometers using standard agonists.3
The study group, led
by Sean Platton, Consultant Biomedical Scientist at the Royal London Hospital, aimed to evaluate the performance of the CN-series LTA technology through a large and robust dataset by combining patient data across the UK and laboratory expertise into a single collaborative study. The study first commenced in June 2021 with data collection extending over a three-year period, reaching its conclusion in 2024. The three-year study period saw the inclusion of 1,021 samples from 771 patients across the seven haemophilia centres.
The primary objective of the AUTOPLATE study group was to evaluate the suitability of the Sysmex CN-series LTA technology to diagnose platelet function disorders in both paediatric and adult patients. In addition to the clinical application of the new technology,
The Royal London Hospital: Sean Platton and Nada Yartey Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre: Peter Baker and Sarah Harper Queen’s Medical Campus: Richard Kirby Great Ormond Street Hospital: Fatimot Alaoye St Thomas’ Hospital: Dr Aine McCormick and Clare Wigley Royal Hallamshire Hospital: Robert Jones Addenbrooke’s Hospital: Stephen MacDonald and Danielle White
Table 1. AUTOPLATE study group particpants.
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM JUNE 2025
the evaluation of basic performance characteristics, such as reference ranges, sample/reagent stability, measurement of uncertainty, and an assessment of the impact of differing incubation times, detection wavelengths, intra-cuvette stir bar speeds, and acquisition times on result interpretation. All of which was deemed historically challenging or rate- limited, depending on sample availability, laboratory resources and expertise.
Overcoming challenges As platelet function disorders have a low prevalence, a common challenge when evaluating any new technology is the availability of both normal and pathological samples for evaluation and how they present on new technology. Inheritable platelet disorders are reliant on the availability of samples from specific patient populations with genetic mutations, which may not be obtainable from a single laboratory alone. Therefore, by collaborating with other haemophilia centres in the UK, patient populations and pathological samples could be pooled into a larger dataset to facilitate obtaining a comprehensive dataset for laboratory verification services. In addition to data sharing within the AUTOPLATE study group for verification and publication purposes, this formed the foundation of a scientific network across the UK of those who utilise the same technology for diagnostic purposes.
This network facilitates the active discussion amongst laboratories on best practices, interesting case studies, and optimised means of testing, all in the scope to optimise and maximise the
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