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Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia
Short Description : Heparin Induced Thrombocytopaenia / Thrombosis
Also known as : [Heparin Induced Thrombosis],[HIT],[HIT screen]

Serum
Test performed by: LabPLUS Coagulation


Test performed by the  Coagulation laboratory: ( Ext 22069 ).
For results, use ward computer or phone LabLINK:   22000 or (09) 307-8995 or 0800 522 758 .

NOTE: All patients receiving regular heparin exposure should have a baseline platelet count and further counts at least twice per week.

Specimen Collection
Plain4.5 mL Plain Blood

OR


Reference Intervals

Reported as Negative or Positive .



Turnaround Time: Between 1 hour and 1 day

Urgent requests - within 60-minutes of receipt in Haemostasis laboratory.

Non-urgent - within 24-hours.


Assay Method

Lateral Flow Immunoassay.


Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication from heparin use, arising from the
binding of antibody against heparin-platelet Factor 4 (PF4) complexes onto platelets. This leads to a
prothrombotic state from the platelet activation, with thrombocytopenia from platelet consumption and
risk of arterial or venous thrombosis. Early diagnosis and management of HIT is essential to avoid the
morbidity and even mortality from the uncontrolled thrombosis(1).

Diagnosis of HIT is based on clinical criteria of thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis with a temporal
relationship to heparin use (usually after 5-14 days of heparin exposure, or earlier if there is previous
heparin exposure), and the laboratory demonstration of platelet activating HIT (anti-Heparin/PF4) antibody.

The lateral flow immunoassay is used in this laboratory to test for the HIT antibody (IgG antibody against PF4/polyanion complexes). IgA and IgM class antibodies are not detected (2)

References

1.    Cuker A, Clines DB. How I treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Blood 2012; 119:2209-2218.
2.    Stago STic Expert HIT Kit insert REF 01058,01059.

Heparin PF4 ELISA


Contact Information

For further information contact the Haematology laboratory (Ext 22067) or:

Dr Nicola Eaddy                                    Ext 22005
Dr Peter Bradbeer                                   Ext 22062
Dr Anna Ruskova                                   Ext 22137
Dr Nikhil Rabade                                   Ext 22071
                                   


Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories

Platelet poor frozen plasma/serum.



Last updated at 13:02:09 11/09/2024