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Test ID: HIT    
Heparin-PF4 Antibody (HIT), Serum

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Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The human PF4 (H/PF4) antibody immunoassay is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using microwells precoated with an antigen complex of PF4 and polyanionic heparinoid substitute (polyvinyl sulfonate; PVS). Testing is performed on the Biomek FXP liquid handling system using the GTI PF4 Enhanced test kit. Patient serum is incubated in the wells, and binding of antibodies to this complex is detected by binding of a second phosphatase-conjugated antihuman IgG/IgA/IgM antibody. Color is generated when this bound conjugate cleaves a chromogenic phosphate substrate, and is quantitated by light absorption at 405 nm. Results are calculated as the percent of positive standard (reported as reactivity).

 

Addition of excess heparin (100 U/mL) to patient serum prior to testing will inhibit the reaction between heparin-dependent antibodies and the PF4:PVS complex, and produces a negative result. This procedure is used to confirm that a positive screening result is caused by heparin-dependent antibodies. Results are calculated as the percent heparin inhibition of the reactivity of the antibody.(Collins JL, et al: Diagnostic testing for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia [HIT]: An enhanced platelet factor 4 complex enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [PF4 ELISA]. Blood 1997 [Suppl 1] 90:461a; Package insert: GTI-PF4 ELISA assay for the detection of antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 [PF4]: polyvinyl sulfonate [PVS] complex. GTI, Inc., Brookfield, WI, Rev 06/07)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; a.m. and p.m. runs

Saturday through Sunday; a.m. run only

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

7 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester