Method for determining a contact activator for platelet activation

A method for determining a contact activator for platelet activation and/or clotting activation using a coagulation detection apparatus, said apparatus comprising a first, a second and a third test cell, each of said cells comprising an anticoagulant and a platelet inactivating agent wherein said first cell further comprises a first contact activator, said second cell further comprises a second contact activator and said third cell does not contain a contact activator, said method comprising:

• a) dividing the sample of blood into first, second and third partial samples;
• b) dispensing the first partial sample into the first test cell to form a first test mixture;
• c) performing a first activated clotting time test on the first test mixture to obtain a first clotting time;
• d) repeating the aforementioned steps of dispensing and performing an activated clotting time test on each of said second and third partial samples to obtain a second and third clotting time;
• and
• e) comparing the activated clotting times of the first, second, and third partial samples to determine whether the contact activator functions to mechanically activate platelets and/or clotting.