HERMANN TEST CODE: 40-60361
CPT CODE: 86022
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT:
- For direct method (when patient's platelet count > 100,000/ uL): 10 mL blood in two blue top tube (sodium citrate), mix well
- For indirect method (when patient's platelet count < 1000,000/ uL): 10 ml blood in red top tube, mixed well.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Performed by Coagulation Section in Hermann Laboratory, Mon-Fri, 7 AM-3 PM. Reporting time in 8 hours. Specimen must be in the laboratory by 10 AM to be performed on the same day
METHODOLOGY: Platelet Aggregation with Heparin as reagent
CLINICAL UTILIZATION: Diagnosis of Heparin Associated Thrombocytopenia
REFERENCE RANGE: No heparin antibody
INTERPRETATION:
Heparin-Associated Thrombocytopenia (HAT) is a major complication of heparin use, occurring in 1-20% of patients receiving heparin. It may occur with any dose of heparin and has a greater incidence with the beef lung preparation than with the porcine intestinal mucosal preparation. Early onset HAT occurs within 2-3 days of initiating heparin therapy and causes only mild thrombocytopenia. This early onset form is usually not of clinical significance. Only the late onset HAT is the clinically significant form that requires further laboratory investigation with Heparin-Induced Platelet Aggregation Study. Late onset HAT occurs approximately 9-12 days after initiating heparin therapy and often cause profound thrombocytopenia. Arterial thromboembolism can occur and give rise to myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or mesenteric occlusion.
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