Gel agglutination assay for antibodies directed against the complex of platelet
factor 4 (PF4) and heparin.
Serum is incubated with the specific particles. After centrifugation through
the gel, particles carrying antibodies against heparin/PF4, are either retarded
on top or within the gel matrix.
Positive results confirm the presence of antibodies directed against Heparin/PF4.
A negative result has a very high negative predictive value for ruling out
HIT*.
Test characteristics:
• very rapid: result in less than 20 min (including 10 min centrifugation)
• very simple procedure
• very reliable performance*
• economical: unused microtubes in the card can be used at a later time
(if the aluminium seal is intact)
*Pouplard C, et al..Prospective evaluation of the '4Ts' score and particle
gel immunoassay specific to heparin/PF4 for the diagnosis of heparin-induced
thrombocytopenia..J Thromb Haemost. 2007;5:1373-9.
Eichler P, et al. The new ID-Heparin/PF4 antibody test for rapid detection
of heparin-induced antibodies in comparison with functional and antigenic assays.Br
J Haematol. 2002;116:887-91., Gemmel R et al.Evaluation of the DiaMed Heparin/PF4
test for HIT. J Thrombosis Haem,ostasis 2005;3 (Suppl.1), Abstract P2100; Schenk
et al;.IgG classification of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies to identify patients
with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during mechanical circulatory support.
J Thromb Haemost. 2007;5:235-41.
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