The influence of hemodynamics upon platelet adhesion to collagen-coated surfaces.

These results indicate that hematocrit and surface shear rate must be considered in determination of the rate of transport, limiting transport step and surface saturation condition. Low hematocrit and shear rate lead to a slow rate and low saturation; high hematocrit and shear rate lead to fast rate and high saturation. Surface reaction rather than diffusional transport controls the adhesion process at low hematocrit. Platelet thrombi, however, may not be favored by high shear conditions due to increased transport from the surface of released aggregate forming substances.