Flow cytometry can be utilised to assess a number of different parameters in both a research and a clinical setting, however a number of different pre-analytic variables and methodological factors may influence the interpretation and analysis of results. Flow cytometry can be used to assess platelet activation, glycoprotein expression, dense granule deficiencies, the response to antiplatelet agents, aggregation to leukocytes, microparticle release and phosphatidylserine expression. These assays are routinely used in a research setting, however their implementation into clinical practice is limited. The talk will discuss the utility of the research assays and how they can be incorporated into clinical practice the steps required and how this implementation may affect results.