The American Red Cross reference laboratories can provide expert assistance with your most complex serological cases to help ensure positive outcomes for your patients.
Platelet serology testing can aid in diagnosing antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia and in investigating the cause of platelet refractoriness. Once the presence of HLA or platelet antibodies is confirmed, appropriate products can be chosen or platelet crossmatching can be performed to select platelets that may improve transfusion outcomes. In addition, a local or national facility can coordinate provision of HPA-1a (PlA1) negative platelets, or recommend further molecular testing.
Services available at each of our HLA laboratories may vary. Please call the national Platelet Serology Laboratory directly at 215-451-4205, or use the Service Request forms below.
Indications
For diagnosis of suspected:
Description
Preliminary platelet testing (e.g., detection of IgG antibodies to platelets) is available through Red Cross Immunohematology Reference Laboratories (IRLs). In addition, the American Red Cross National Reference Laboratory for Platelet Serology and some IRLs offer a wide variety of expanded laboratory techniques to investigate and characterize platelet-specific auto- and alloantibodies. These tests are used to aid in the diagnosis of platelet-related conditions, such as:
Test Methods
Indications
Platelet crossmatching using the SPRCA technique is widely used to select platelet products for patients who have become refractory. The use of crossmatched platelets may improve transfusion outcome for these individuals on an interim basis until HLA-matched products are available or as continuous transfusion support when the transfusion outcome is favorable. Platelets crossmatched against maternal serum can also be used to support neonates in some cases of NAIT, depending on antibody specificity.
Description
Platelet crossmatch testing detects IgG antibodies to platelet-specific and HLA antigens. A serum or plasma sample from the patient is tested against apheresis platelets. Depending on the antibody, compatible platelets may or may not be readily available. The crossmatching program, in partnership with the HLA matching service, provides transfusion support and medical consultation for refractory patients who are difficult to support by standard methods.
Test Methods
For human platelet antigen (HPA) typing by molecular methods, visit our Molecular Testing page.
Indications
In certain clinical situations (NAIT, PTP), it is necessary to transfuse single donor platelets (SDP) from donors who are negative for the high frequency platelet antigen HPA-1a.