Evaluation of STic Expert® HIT Kit and Its Comparison with ID-PaGIA™ Test in Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an adverse drug reaction caused by heparin. HIT occurs due to IgG antibodies directed against heparin-bound platelet factor 4 (PF4). The aim of this study was to evaluate the STic Ò Expert HIT for detection of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in comparison with ID-PaGIA TM kit. The results were further confirmed by Heparin-induced platelet aggregation test (HIPA). A total of 17 patients with a suspected diagnosis of HIT were enrolled. The 4 T scoring of each case was performed. Testing for HIT was carried out by ID-PaGIA TM , STic Ò Expert HIT, and HIPA. Testing by STic Ò Expert HIT test demonstrated positivity in three cases while testing by ID-PaGIA TM test kit revealed four positive cases. Two of these cases were confirmed as HIT by HIPA. The study suggests that STic Ò Expert HIT an equally effective test, in combination with the 4T scoring system for detecting/excluding the diagnosis of HIT. A large number of cases are needed for validation.

High-frequency Contactless Sensor for the Detection of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Antibodies via Platelet Aggregation

“…When compared with platelet aggregation tests, the contactless microwave sensor does not require well-trained specialists or additional tests such as serotonin assays to confirm sample status caused by platelet-activating antibodies [19][20][21]. Although other available methods [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] including quick tests are of high cost or single use only, our method-based tubing system can be reused for multiple tests.…”

“…Methods such as microscopy [24] and flow cytometry [25] are robust and powerful techniques but require complex staining procedures. Several HIT test kits such as quick test (STic Expert) [26], chemiluminescent immunoassays (AcuStar) [27], particle gel immunoassay (PaGIA) [28], chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) [29], and Rapid Latex Enhanced Immunoassay (LIA) [30] are commercially available. However, they are complex, expensive, and time-consuming and were not suited for routine testing, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”