Rapid Diagnosis of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Surgical Critically Ill Patients

"The HEP score is a clinicobiological score evaluating the probability of the HIT diagnosis.~The HEP score is based on the blood platelet count, the timing of the platelet decrease, the existence of clinical manifestations of HIT (thrombosis, haemorrhage, skin necrosis) and the existence of an other cause of thrombocytopenia."

The 4Ts score is a clinicobiological score evaluating the probability of the HIT diagnosis. The 4Ts score is based on the change in blood platelet count during heparin therapy, the timing of platelet decrease, the existence of a thrombosis, and the existence of an other cause of thrombocytopenia.

The ID-PaGIA test is a particle gel immunoassay that detects immunoglobulins (Ig) G, A and M specific to the heparin/PF4 complexes.

The HIT-Ab(PF4-H) test consist in the incubation of plasma samples with latex beads coated PF4/polyvinylsulfate complexes. After binding of the plasma antibodies a monoclonal antibody recognizing PF4/heparin complexes is added. In the presence of human anti-PF4/heparin antibodies, binding of the monoclonal antibody and subsequent agglutination of latex beads is inhibited. Inhibition of agglutination is quantified and reported in arbitrary units (U/ml). A value equal or higher than 1.0 u/ml may indicate the presence of HIT antibodies.