“The WB impedance aggregation assay appears to be superior to the optical method because it 1) evaluates platelets in a physiologic milieu in the presence of red and white blood cells, which are known to modulate platelet function; 2) is faster; 3) has higher sensitivity; and 4) does not require centrifugation, thus avoiding injury to platelets and loss of giant thrombocytes. These two assays were compared. Clearly, the WB impedance aggregation methodology has many advantages over the optical PRP assay for the assessment of the hyperactive platelet syndrome and the effects of antiplatelet drugs.
Dyszkiewicz-Korpanty et al, Clin Appl Thrombosis/Hemostasis 11(1):25-35, 2005

“Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) traditionally helped to describe bleeding tendencies in uremia, but has limitations in illustrating thrombotic diathesis. This study avoids PRP as the aggregation substrate because of inconsistencies with methodology and reproducibility. Whole blood from simple venipuncture provides a quick, relatively inexpensive means of attaining platelet aggregation and ATP Secretion data from a sample that relates more closely to in vivo conditions.” “Whole blood platelet aggregation analysis with measurement of ATP Release can be used to identify uremic patients who may be at risk for platelet based bleeding or thrombotic complications ."
Zeck et al, Biomed Res. Int. 2013

“ Antiplatelet resistance assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry is paralleled to clinical events and dual antiplatelet resistance is an independent predicator for early stent thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome. As a physiological assessment of platelet reactivity, whole blood impedance aggregometry is a convenient and accurate option for measuring antiplatelet resistance and hence predicting early stent thrombosis.”
LI et al, Chin Med J 2013;126 (4): 626-633

“The lumi-aggregometry is a useful method for detection of platelet function disorders. The results correspond well with those obtained from aggregometry in PRP which is one the most established platelet function test in the clinical laboratory. However, lumi-aggregometry is superior because of the smaller blood volume requirement which is important especially in pediatrics.... “
Knoefler et al, Chapter, 34th Hemophilia Symposium, pp 107-115, 2003

“Platelet aggregation studies are complex and performed at reference centers using PRP with optical methods. However, this is a non-physiological milieu absent of giant thrombocytes, red and white blood cells that modulate platelet function in vivo. WBIA negates these problems. … WBIA detected platelet dysfunction in 58% of patients with bleeding tendency. The abnormalities were reproducible in 81%. Detection of such abnormalities by WBIA has implications for appropriate management strategies.”
Mahaldar et al, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2009; Volume 7, Supplement 2: Abstract PP-MO-757