Test Code HITA Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia by Platelet Factor 4

Specimen Type

Blood

Container

Red top

Preferred Volume

5 mL

Offsite Collection Instructions

Whole blood or serum samples might be sent to the laboratory.

Centrifugation instructions:

Centrifuged blood sample at >1500 x g for 10 minutes.

Aliquot removed serum into 3 tubes containing minimum of 0.5 mL of specimen each. They may be sent refrigerated or frozen.

Note: Frozen samples that have thawed in transit will be rejected.

UCMC Collection Instructions

Specimens for heparin induced thrombocytopenia antibody testing can be collected at any time; however, testing will be performed Monday to Thursday at 9:00 am and on Friday at 1:00 pm.
Samples to be tested should be in the lab no later than 9:00 am (Monday to Thursday) and no later than 1:00 pm (Friday) in order for them to be included in the run.
Samples received after 9:00 am (Monday to Thursday) and after 1:00 pm (Friday) will be run on the next business day.

Availability

Collect 24/7. Test performed M-Th sample in lab by 9:00 am. Friday by 1:00 pm, otherwise sample held until the next run.

Turnaround Time

48 hours maximum, M-Th specimen in lab before 9:00 am, Friday specimen in lab by 1:00 pm, otherwise held until the next run.

STAT Availability

Not Available

Test Methodology

ELISA

Additional Information

Should be ordered only in the setting of:
1) a substantial drop in the platelet count with an appropriate temporal relationship to recent heparin administration
2) re-exposure to heparin in patients previously diagnosed with HIT.

CPT Code

86022

Reference Range

<0.400 OD

Minimum Volume