HIT Alert

First functionality test for the diagnosis of HIT in heparin-treated patients, using flow cytometry.

NOW CE IVD registrated

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated distinct syndrome in which laboratory detection of the pathogenic antibodies is diagnostically useful. The present functional flow cytrometric assay determines the capacity of the patient's serum to activate platelets in presence of heparin (similar in concept to the gold-standard, the radioactive serotonin-release assay). This functional assay reproduces the in vivo pathophysiology, and highly correlates with the clinical presentation of HIT. this is in contrast to the immune-detection antigen assays, which measure antibodies reactive to heparin platelet-factor 4 (PF4) complexes. However, pathogenic antibodies may react with other heparin complexes such as heparin-interleukin-8, or heparin- neutrophil activating peptide 2. HIT antibodies are initially detected in circulation after 5 to 10 days of heparin therapy. However, subsequent to previous exposure, they may be formed in shorter time, i.e. 24 to 48 hours after re-exposure. Indications for testing in patients exposed to heparin include the appearance of thrombocytopenia, or of thrombosis irrespective to platelet count.

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