As of Tuesday, June 3, 2014, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Clinical Hematology Laboratory will offer two new tests of platelet function for patients on aspirin and/or a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel, Plavix; ticlopidine, Ticlid; prasugrel, Effient; or ticagrelor, Brilinta).

The former is called ARU Platelet Reactivity Units (Aspirin Reactivity Units – Epic LAB8084 ) and the latter is PRU (Platelet Reactivity Units (P2Y12) – Epic LAB8075). These tests can be used to determine if a patient's platelets are reactive when they are taking one or both of these medications. The tests must be ordered separately and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A special collection tube must be used for this testing which can be obtained by calling the Core Hematology at (356-3530). The tubes must be hand carried back to the laboratory and not sent through the pneumatic tube system to avoid disruption of platelet testing.

Questions can be directed to Mary Capper, MT (ASCP) at 467-5467 or Nancy Rosenthal, MD at 356-3059 or pager 7057.