Serotonin Release Assay, UFH, MS, S
Use
This test detects heparin-dependent platelet activating antibodies implicated in the pathogenesis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It is utilized to assess for the presence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibodies, which may develop after unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin therapy. HIT is an immune-mediated syndrome occurring in a subset of patients treated with heparin, leading to a significant drop in platelets and potentially life-threatening thrombosis. This assay aids in evaluating the clinical condition by detecting these specific antibodies involved in the disease process.
Special Instructions
Fasting for 8 hours is preferred but not required before specimen collection. The patient should not be on ticagrelor (Brilinta), as it may interfere with the assay, leading to false-negative results. After blood collection, the specimen should be allowed to clot for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Then, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a polypropylene plastic vial for storage and shipping.
Limitations
Ticagrelor (Brilinta) use by the patient can result in a false-negative SRA result. Although a negative result reduces the likelihood of HIT, there are reported cases where patients with clinical HIT have initial negative SRA results that later become positive upon retesting. This limitation should be considered when interpreting results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 50736-8
- 50728-5
- 50727-7
- 66488-8
- 50733-5
- 77202-0
- 62364-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable); submission in polypropylene plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Allow the specimen to clot for a minimum of 1 hour at ambient temperature. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 8 hours, preferred; avoid ticagrelor (Brilinta) as it may interfere.
Storage Instructions
Frozen (preferred, stable for 2 years) or refrigerated (stable for 7 days)
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 2 years |