Release Date: Jun 2018
CC: PC, MK, PBL, SBP
Michael C. Bowling, SH(ASCP)
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA
Jing Jin, CLS, MS
Special Coagulation Reference Technologist, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA
Description:
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a highly prothrombotic and potentially fatal condition characterized by mediated antibodies targeting at platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin complexes and binding to the Fc?RIIA receptor expressed on the outer surface of platelets and other vascular cells. Assessment for HIT involves both clinical evaluation and, if indicated, an initial immunological assay. This assay is performed as a “screening test,” and only if positive, a secondary functional assay is performed for confirmation. The most common functional assays measure platelet aggregation or platelet activation events (e.g., serotonin release assay; flow cytometry). Whole blood multiple electrode aggregometry based on impedance method (WBIA) is a simple, rapid, and promising alternative functional assay. All assays differ in terms of relative sensitivity and specificity for HIT, as well as false negative and false positive error rate. This presentation overviews the different available laboratory methods, as well as providing a suggested approach to diagnosis or exclusion of HIT.
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the characteristic features of HIT.
- Define currently available and promising new laboratory tests for HIT.
- Describe the laboratory diagnosis algorithm for HIT.
Who should attend? Practicing Pathologists, Residents, Doctoral Scientists, Pathologists’ Assistants, Laboratory Managers, Bench Supervisors, Bench Technologists and Technicians, Students