Laboratory Medicine Program

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
(HIT, anti-PF4 antibodies)

Clinical Decription:
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon complication of unfractionated heparin prophylaxis associated with thrombocytpenia and rarely arterial or venous thrombosis.

Method: ELISA; Manual

Component Tests Used: SRA (Serotonin Release Assay) upon authorization by a staff Hematologist.

Reference Ranges Used:
< 0.400 O.D. Negative

Specimen Type: Citrated plasma
Collected In: 3.2% Sodium Citrate
Volume: 2 x 1.0 mL (minimum: 2 x 1.0 mL)

Shipping: Send frozen on dry ice.

Special Instructions: Patient should be fasting, if possible. The specimen must be double-centrifuged to obtain a platelet-poor plasma specimen (Plt <10x10E9/L): 1. Immediately centrifuge specimen at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 2. Separate the plasma from the platelet/buffy coat and transfer into a clean plastic tube. 3. Centrifuge the separated plasma at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 4. Transfer 1.0 to 2.0 mL of the double-centrifuged plasma into a clean plastic tube, leaving approx. 200 uL for discard. 5. Freeze plasma aliquot immediately for storage. Maintain frozen for shipping and handling.

Testing Schedule(s): 2-3 times per week.

Turnaround Time: 2 days

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For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227

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