Our serotonin release assay is the gold standard diagnostic test for detecting clinically relevant (platelet-activating) heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibodies. With high levels of sensitivity and specificity and timely turnaround times, our validated serotonin release assay is designed to guide care and improve outcomes for patients suspected of having HIT.
Seratonin release assay Test menu
HIT is a rare but serious immune-mediated reaction to the drug heparin that can cause potentially fatal thromboembolism. While infrequent, HIT typically occurs within the first one to two weeks of a patient receiving heparin treatment, or rapidly upon heparin exposure in some patients with recent heparin therapy. Warning signs of HIT include a 50% or greater drop in platelet counts with or without thrombosis.
Due to a number of clinical conditions that may mimic HIT and poor specificity of frontline HIT (PF4-polyanion) ELISAs, confirmation of diagnosis with a trusted functional assay is important to ensuring that only patients with HIT receive HIT-directed therapies, such as non-heparin anticoagulants.
Key testing
Highlights
Utilizing testing capabilities of two separate laboratory facilities, Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ new serotonin release assay (SRA) is a gold-standard test supported by decades of clinical hematopathologic experience and advanced mass spectrometry testing.
Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ serotonin release assay achieves high sensitivity and specificity while avoiding the use of radioactive materials. Serotonin release testing is an important tool in the diagnosis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia, or HIT, which can have devastating consequences for patients.
In this month's "Hot Topic," Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S., discusses heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), approach diagnosis, and the role of the functional serotonin release assay (SRA).