Abstract: 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 .ANG. 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 immune 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 diagnosing HITP is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining the presence of antibodies from a patient's blood which are specific for HLA Class I antigens and/or platelet glycoproteins. The invention provides for a method and kit for diagnosing platelet disorders in an easy to use format. The method and kit employ a solid support, such as microtiter plate wells, that are coated with the HLA and glycoprotein antigens. A sample of the patient's blood is added to the coated wells and allowed to react, then spectrophotometric detection of antibodies provides diagnostic quantitation.