Platelet function and spontaneous thrombolytic activity of patients with cerebral infarction assessed by the global thrombosis test.

Measurements of platelet reactivity and assessment of the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs are widely recognized as pre-requisite for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. A recently established shear-induced platelet reactivity test using non-anticoagulated blood (the Global Thrombosis Test) has facilitated measurements of physiologically relevant platelet function and thrombolytic activity. 195 healthy volunteers, not taking antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants, and 185 patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases were enrolled.