Human platelet antibody (HPA) screen - platelet refractoriness

Blood Transfusion

Notes

• Investigation of platelet refractoriness due to Human Platelet Antibodies (HPA)
• Requires Consultant Haematologist approval
• HPA testing is only required if the patient is refractory following transfusion of HLA selected platelets. This investigation will NOT be tested unless initial HLA antibody investigation has been carried out first
• Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Diagnostic Laboratory Form 3D required to request this test (form available from Transfusion laboratory or here)
• Performed at NHSBT, Bristol
• The following factors are known to significantly affect the performance of the examination or the interpretation of the results: lipaemia, sample clotted (if EDTA), haemolysed. Any sample displaying these factors cannot be processed and will be rejected

Sample Requirements

Serum tube - 9mL

Contains clot activator

Required Information

NBS state that following points of identification MUST be on request form and sample tubes:

1. Forename
2. Surname
3. Date of birth
4. Hospital number and / or NHS number

The sample tube(s) must be signed and dated by the person taking the blood.

NHSBT may decline to test inadequately labelled samples.

Turnaround time

7 working days