METHOD OF DETECTING HEPARIN-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA

摘要

A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HITP is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises binding human platelet factor 4 to a linear, non-glycosaminoglycan polymer carrying negative charges distributed along the polymer chain, wherein the negative charge carried by the polymer is less than 10 ANGSTROM from the polymer chain. In another embodiment, the negative charge is a strong negative charge. A complex having one or more epitopes recognizable by antibodies generated in a HITP response is formed. One then contacts blood plasma or serum from a human patient suspected of having HITP with the complex and analyzes the complex to determine if the HITP-related antibodies are present. In another embodiment of the invention, a kit for diagnosis is disclosed.