Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombo-cytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

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: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HITP) is disclosed. This method comprises the first step of attaching a glycosaminoglycan to a solid support, wherein the glycosaminoglycan is attached to the solid support only at the reducing end of the molecule (unidirectionally). Platelet factor 4 is then bound to the glycosaminoglycan forming a complex having an epitope recognizable by antibodies generated in an HITP immune response. Human blood plasma or serum from a patient suspected of having HITP is exposed to the complex and the complex is analyzed to determine if HITP-related antibodies are present. A device and kit used in performing the diagnostic assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules, and peptides encoded by these molecules, can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications relating to human platelet Pl.sup.A polymorphism. In this vein, a method for typing blood cell and platelet membrane glycoproteins entails an analysis of amplified cDNA, encoded by platelet and red blood cell mRNA.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to human platelet Bak polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIb with regard to the Bak polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIb-related immune responses.

Abstract: Drug-dependent antibodies that bind to granulocytes, erythrocytes, platelets or membrane proteins derived from these cells, in the presence of a drug, but not in its absence, can be detected using a sensitive assay. Detection of the drug-dependent antibodies permits diagnosis of cytopenia mediated by the drug.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to human platelet Bak polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIb with regard to the Bak polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIb-related immune responses.

Abstract: Antibodies which distinguish between the Pl.sup.A1 form of GPIIIa and the Pl.sup.A2 form of GPIIIa can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic applications relating to human platelet Pl.sup.A polymorphism.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules, and peptides encoded by those molecules, can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications relating to human platelet Pl.sup.A polymorphism. In this vein, a method for typing blood cell and platelet membrane glycoproteins entails an analysis of amplified cDNA, encoded by platelet and red blood cell mRNA.