Hart Biologicals has recently announced the addition of its sixth product, Arachidonic Acid MEA, to its MEA range of platelet aggregation testing reagents.
The Arachidonic Acid MEA Test joins the five other products recently developed by Hart Biologicals in the range;Aspirin MEA Test 3 x 1ml (HB-5613-FG), Collagen MEA Test 3 x 1ml (HB-5614-FG), Ristocetin MEA Test 3x1ml (HB-5615-FG), ADP MEA Test 3x1ml (HB-5616-FG)and TRAP-6 MEA Test 3x1ml (HB-5618-FG).
All reagents in the line are designed to monitor and test the platelet function of patients.
Keighley Larkin, Head of the Technical Team at Hart Biologicals, said: “We’re pleased to add the Arachidonic Acid product to the MEA line. Although there are further additions that we are considering making, this addition represents the last product to become available during this initial phase in establishing the MEA range.”
The MEA line has been designed for use in diagnosing platelet dysfunction or normal platelet activity in whole blood by Multiple Electrode Aggregometry (MEA).
Arachidonic Acid is a fatty acid present in the granules and membranes of human platelets. It is liberated from phospholipids and, in the presence of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1), incorporates oxygen to form the endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2). PGG2 is then quickly transformed to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) which in turn is converted to thromboxane A2, a potent inducer of platelet aggregation.
Ingestion of aspirin, or aspirin-containing compounds, inhibits COX-1 mediated oxygen consumption, preventing the subsequent events leading to platelet aggregation, therefore providing thrombotic protection by inhibition.
“We offer two lines of platelet aggregation reagents, one focussing on Light Transmission Aggregometry (LTA) and the other for use on the specialist MEA system which utilises electrical impedance to measure platelet aggregation,” said Keighley.
“By offering both lines of product, we aim to be able to cater for the reagent needs of those using both methods for assessing platelet function in their laboratory.
“We have had a lot of interest in the new product line, both at home and abroad, and we hope that this offering will expand the use of all our reagents.”
The new product will be available from Hart Biologicals as follows:
Arachidonic Acid MEA – HB-5617-FG (3 x 1.0ml)
You can find more information on the ARA MEA here.
