Platelet associated antibodies

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Blood test

This is a test to identify the presence of abnormal antiplatelet antibodies in the blood.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually inside the elbow or on the back of the hand. The area is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm. This causes the vein to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants and young children.

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

No special preparation is necessary for adults.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This test may be ordered when the person has a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). It is used to detect antibodies against platelets.

Review Date: 02/01/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.