Ordering Guidance

For neonate testing, consider sending a maternal specimen instead of a neonate specimen as unbound platelet antibodies may not be detected in the neonate serum.

This test is not recommended for the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Tests that are optimized to detect antibodies bound to the platelets will be useful in these situations; cell-bound platelet antibody (direct) test is strongly recommended.

Necessary Information

If ordering electronically, answer all prompt questions for timely result reporting:

1. Reason for request is required for result interpretation.

 a. Use provided diagnosis options if appropriate. If specific diagnosis is unknown, select the generic answer of alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

 b. Record only the diagnosis pertaining to this test.

 c. Record diagnosis description instead of code.

2. Indicate if patient has had intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in the last month: Yes or No

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: Do not collect within 72 hours of a platelet transfusion. Transfused platelets will interfere with this assay.

Collection Container/Tube: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.