title: Rapid and simple IgG specific test for the exclusion of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The exclusion of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is required for selecting the most appropriate anticoagulation therapy in affected patients. It requires the combination of clinical data with the detection of antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 (PF4) in complex with polyanions (PA) such as heparin.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for PF4/PA complex specific IgG antibodies based on gold nanoparticles. Unlike most other assays, the initial immune reaction takes place in the liquid phase. The sensitivity of the assay has been adjusted with clinical samples aiming in the reliable detection of sera which are positive in a functional platelet activation assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sera from 60 patients with suspected HIT were investigated. LFIA identified correctly all samples (n=20) which were positive in a functional assay (HIPA) and an IgG specific ELISA. It correlated with ELISA, but false positive results were less frequent (7 samples were negative with LFIA and HIPA but positive with ELISA).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LFIA may be a suitable tool for the rapid exclusion of HIT within 10 min.
authors.affiliation: Consulting Diagnostics, Ottobrunn, Germany. h.-J.kolde@t-online.de
authors.forename: Hans-Jürgen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kolde
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dostatni
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mauracher
mesh_terms: D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000276:immunology; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010978:Platelet Factor 4; D006046:Gold; D006493:Heparin