October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a reminder to pay attention to brain health and take action to prevent strokes, one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

Strokes can occur suddenly, and certain physiological changes may precede clinical symptoms. Early detection is therefore essential for timely risk assessment and intervention.

 

Many people associate stroke with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. While these are important risk factors, there’s a crucial, often overlooked element — abnormal platelet activation.

Normal platelets help stop bleeding, but when excessively activated, they become overly sticky and prone to clumping. Like tiny “time bombs,” they can form blood clots that block cerebral blood vessels, leading to ischemic stroke.

Traditional blood tests may not fully reflect platelet activation; direct monitoring of platelet functional state provides more comprehensive information.

 

2.  The Gold Standard: Platelet Activation Markers

 

Early detection of platelet activation is key to predicting thrombotic events. Important markers include:

 

 

● CD62P (P-Selectin): Recognized as the gold standard for platelet activation. Its surface expression signals the initiation of clot formation.

● PAC-1: A widely accepted marker for early platelet activation.

● CD42a, CD42b, CD41, CD61: Maintain platelet structure and function, mediating aggregation, adhesion, and secretion.

These markers allow clinicians to precisely assess platelet activation and intervene before stroke occurs.

 

Testing Significance

 

1)  Personalized Antiplatelet Therapy

Provides precise guidance for the use of antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel, enabling individualized treatment.

2)  Stroke Risk Assessment

Detects hidden hypercoagulable states in time, offering early warning for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

3)  Medication Guidance & Efficacy Monitoring

Evaluates whether antiplatelet therapy is effective and identifies potential “drug resistance,” allowing timely adjustment of treatment plans.

 

3.  CRET Platelet Activation Measurement

 

Poclight Platelet Activation Function Analyzer: Real-Time, Dynamic, and Precise

Poclight CRET Analyzer and reagents offers a powerful tool for platelet monitoring, helping clinicians make informed decisions regarding transfusion strategies, bleeding/thrombosis risk prediction, and treatment optimization.

 

 

With CRET Measurement, clinicians can detect the “invisible” culprits of stroke early, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

 

For detailed information and partnership options, please contact us.

 

 

The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) established World Thrombosis Day (WTD) on October 13 to raise awareness of the global health threat.

Every year, 1 in 4 people worldwide die from conditions related to thrombosis, the underlying cause of the top three cardiovascular killers: heart attack, stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). - World Thrombosis Day website (2025)

 

According to WHO data (2001–2023), the global age-standardized mortality rate of pulmonary embolism fell from 3.49 to 2.42 per 100,000. However, rates are rising in some lower-middle-income regions, underscoring the need to strengthen diagnostic capacity. Rapid and accessible POC testing helps bridge this gap where laboratory resources are limited.

 

2.  D-Dimer Testing Essentials

 

D-dimer is a specific fibrinolysis marker and key laboratory indicator of thrombus formation and breakdown. It rises within 2 hours of clot formation, has a 7-8 hour half-life, and remains stable in blood samples for 24-48 hours. These characteristics ensure its crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring thrombotic diseases.

Its clinical applications may include the following:

● Early Detection of Thrombosis: D-dimer testing is widely used to help rule out venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with suspected thrombotic events, particularly when combined with clinical assessment. Rapid detection supports prompt management decisions.

● Guiding Further Assessment: Prompts additional imaging or diagnostic tests.

● Supporting Anticoagulation Decisions: Helps guide initiation, adjustment, or duration of anticoagulant therapy.

 

Test Combination

 

Item	Clinical Use / Recommendation
D-dimer Test Kit	Helps rule out suspected DVT or PE (when combined with clinical probability assessment)
D-dimer + NT-proBNP Test Kit	Assists in differentiating PE from heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea
D-dimer + NT-proBNP and/or Troponin I	Helps rule out PE and assess PE prognosis

Note: D-Dimer levels can rise due to infection, inflammation, surgery, or pregnancy. It should always be interpreted alongside clinical findings and imaging.

 

3.  Poclight D-Dimer Solutions

 

Highly cost-effective, Poclight Biotech’s point-of-care D-dimer Test Kit solutions deliver results within 5 minutes, supporting prompt assessment and care.

 

Our Stand-out features:

 

1)  Small Sample Volume & Rapid Results

Only 50 μL of serum or plasma needed, with 5-minute turnaround, ideal for fast clinical decisions.

Parameter	Sample type	Assay duration	Sample volume	Cut-Off value	Measuring range
D-dimer	Plasma	5min	50 μL	0.5 mg/L, Higher D-dimer levels suggest clotting activity	0.25~20 mg/L

 

2)  Freeze-dried reagents: no cold chain, 18 months shelf life, simplifying storage and transport.

3)  High accuracy and excellent precision (CV < 5%)

 

 

4)  Applicable with the C5000 POC CLIA Analyzer: 3-Step Operation, Maintenance-Free

 

Contact us to learn about local distributors and pricing options for Poclight D-dimer solutions.