A Brain Extract as a Substitute for Platelet Suspensions in the Thromboplastin Generation Test

Abstract

THE test described in 1953 by Biggs and Douglas¹ has proved a valuable technique for the study of the generation of plasma thromboplastin, and in the diagnosis of the various hæmorrhagic states due to defects at this level. Of the three ingredients for the ‘incubation mixture’, as originally described, only the preparation of a consistently satisfactory platelet suspension is troublesome and time-consuming enough to cause difficulties for those not constantly using the test. We have devised a modification, which we feel allows a higher degree of accuracy, as well as solving this problem and eliminating the need for siliconized glassware.