The platelet factor-3 test for detection of canine antiplatelet antibody.

Autoimmune thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed by demonstrating antiplatelet antibody in patient's serum using a platelet factor-3 test. A procedure was developed to conduct the platelet factor-3 test using a Fibrometer to record coagulation time. The procedure provides a more practical and consistent way of reading results than making visual observations. It is also simple enough for use as a laboratory method to evaluate thrombocytopenic patients. With this procedure, positive results were obtained for about one-third of the thrombocytopenic dogs examined so far.