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

If not ordering electronically, Platelet Antibody Screen, Serum Patient Information is required. Fill out the information and submit with the specimen.

Specimen Required

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

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.