Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a drug which has proven efficacy in improving platelet function in uraemic and cirrhosis patients, and in reducing blood loss in selected surgeries. In a previous in vitro study, we have found that desmopressin significantly improves platelet function at 32oC. The improvement is seen with a very low concentration of desmopressin in vitro, which suggests that probably doses much smaller than the "standard dose" (15 mcg slow iv or subcutaneous) may be useful. In keeping with this in vitro study, in a more recent study, we have found that subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mcg (1/10th the usual dose) is already sufficient to fully reverse the platelet dysfunction seen at 32oC.