[Platelet retention test Homburg (RTH) and drug monitoring of platelet adhesive properties of von Willebrand factor].

Platelet plug formation is initiated by the process of platelet adhesion, mainly mediated by the von Wille-brand factor (VWF). Therefore, apart from established criteria the platelet adhesion property is a further criterion to determine VWF e. g. in diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease (VWD). The new platelet retention test Homburg (RTH) is designed to close this gap. It is characterized by its non-thrombogenic filter with interconnecting pores, which retains platelets from blood when pressed through this filter due to the resulting shear stress. The RTH, in particular, proved to be highly sensitive in detecting the platelet adhesive property of VWF after its release from endogenous storage sites by desmopressin or infusion in VWD patients or its supplementation in vitro.