Markers for platelet function testing by flow cytometry: where are we now? A clinical perspective.

Flow cytometry is transforming platelet function testing by offering high sensitivity, low sample requirements, and compatibility with thrombocytopenic and pediatric specimens. In contrast to light transmission aggregometry, it enables multiparameter analysis in whole blood, allowing detailed characterization of platelet activation, secretion, and procoagulant function. Current evidence indicates that a carefully selected panel of validated markers provides the most clinically actionable information for diagnosis and patient management. When integrated with clinical context, complementary laboratory data, and reproducible assay design, these readouts offer a pathway toward more accessible, practical, and widely implementable platelet testing, bridging the gap between specialized research assays and standard clinical practice.