Heparin Induced Platelet Antibody (HIPA)

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Call transportation at 937-297-8262 option 1 for a STAT pick-up to transport to Sandridge CompuNet Clinical Laboratories location for processing.
Specimen must be processed within 4 hours of collection

Samples must be received in the Special Coagulation department at the Sandridge location by 12:00pm (noon) for same day results.

HIPA

70488;
Heparin-Platelet Antibody
HIPA
Heparin Platelet Induced Antibody
HIT assay

1 plastic (2.7mL) completely filled 3.2% Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube

2 Frozen Capped aliquots of at least 0.5mL Sodium Citrate plasma (Polypropylene tubes recommended)

Use standard venipuncture and disposal techniques.

Collect the required quantity of Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes.

If unable to process specimens within 4 hours of collection then call CompuNet transportation for a STAT pick-up at (937) 297-8262 option 1.

Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s): Process immediately (stable only 4 hours), following instructions below:

Note: We recommend aliquot tubes to be made of polypropylene plastic as this material is safe to freeze at <-70 degrees C.

1. Centrifuge capped Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, or at speed and time required to consistently produce Platelet Poor Plasma (<5/kmm3).

2. Carefully remove the plasma from all Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes; avoid disturbing the WBC/buffy coat, and combine all plasma into a plastic conical centrifuge tube.
Note: If the plasma shows any hemolysis, it must be recollected.

3. Centrifuge the plasma in the plastic conical centrifuge tube for a second time as in step 1.

4. In one smooth motion, carefully and quickly pour the centrifuged plasma into a second plastic conical centrifuge tube. A small amount of plasma along with a red cell button should remain on the bottom of the original conical tube if the pour was executed correctly.
Note: This quick-pour method prevents platelet transfer and contamination.

5. Aliquot at least 1mL of plasma into each aliquot tubes labeled “plasma.” Refer to the Minimum Volume section above for the number of aliquots required per test.

6. Finally, place all aliquots into a <-20°C freezer within 4 hours.
Note: Aliquots must remain frozen until they are picked up by the CompuNet courier. Call CompuNet transportation department if frozen specimen boxes are needed.

Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s)
   OR
Frozen -Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma (Polypropylene tubes recommended)

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s)
                              

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s) < 4 hours
                                 Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma (polypropylene recommended) <24hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable for Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes whole blood or capped plasma aliquots
Frozen: Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma (polypropylene recommended) at <-20 degrees C for <6months

Rejected for hemolysis, clotted, improper fill, incorrect specimen type, thawed frozen aliquots, refrigerated plasma or blood, expired test tubes, >4 hours old if not processed into separated frozen plasma vials.

Daily *Samples must be received in Special Coag department by 12:00pm (noon) for same day results
SCOAG

Same day if received by 12:00pm (noon)
1 day when received after 12 noon

Hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Type II HIT (Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia) is a rare but severe immuno-allergic complication of heparin therapy, characterized by a sharp drop in platelet count 5-15 days after the initiation of heparin treatment. Occlusive vascular lesions in multiple locations can result as well as embolic complications due to the heparin-platelet complexes aggregating in the vessels, usually peripheral arteries.