Marina Angeli*,a , Argyri Gialerakib , Ioanna Anastasopoulouc , Olga Katsarouc and Marianna Politoud
a Department of Hematology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens LAIKO, Athens, Greece; b Hematology Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; c Blood Transfusion Service & National Reference Center for Congenital Bleeding Disorders, General Hospital of Athens LAIKO, Athens, Greece; d Hematology Laboratory-Blood Bank, Aretaieio Hospital, School of Medicine,National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Abstract
Aim: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare, life-threatening, immune-mediated adverse effect of heparin administration. This study compares frequently used laboratory assays in terms of their effectiveness in HIT diagnosis.
Materials & methods: Fifty patients with suspected HIT were tested by gel immunoassay and solid phase PF4/heparin antibody ELISA. On positive results, platelet activation markers P-selectin and Annexin V were assayed using flow cytometry.
Results: Thirty/50 patients were negative for both immunoassays. Flow cytometry was performed in the 20 immunoassay positive patients. Platelet activation was observed in 7/20 in the presence of low heparin concentration (0.2 IU/ml).
Conclusion: The results are in accordance with the currently available literature and flow cytometry seems a promising alternative in HIT laboratory investigation.
BIOANALYSIS 2024, VOL. 16, NO. 15, 813–823