Qualitative test for the screening of anti-platelets autoantibodies specifically fixed on the three main platelet membrane glycoproteins: GPIIbIIIa, GPIbIX et GPIaIIa Context of prescription: When prescribing anti-platelets autoantibodies, the clinician looks for evidences of a peripheral thrombocytopenia, generally autoimmune. Antigenic targets of autoantibodies are platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP), mainly the GP IIbIIIa, GP IbIX and GP IaIIa. Those autoantibodies recognize all normal platelets and almost never present platelet group specificity.

The detection of autoantibodies specifically directed against platelet membrane GP is in favor of autoimmune thrombocytopenia. However, their absence does not allow to discard the diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

Reminder about the diagnosis of ITP: excerpt of the recommendations of the HAS (October 2009)

« ITP is defined by the absence of thrombocytopenia (platelets < 150 G/l) due to the presence of anti-platelets autoantibodies resulting in their destruction by mononucleated phagocytes, mainly in the spleen, and to a deficit of medullar production of immunological origin. »

« The diagnosis of ITP is a diagnosis of exclusion since no test can confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, biological and possibly radiological arguments […]. ».

Isabelle Vinatier
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