The platelet adhesion immunofluorescence test: a modification of the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test.

Platelets can adhere to surfaces by forming pseudopods. This ability is made use of here to simplify conventional platelet suspension immunofluorescence tests, since steps like serum and FITC incubations, washing and microscopic evaluation are done on platelets adhered to glass surfaces. By eliminating time-consuming manipulations like washing in individual test tubes and mounting platelets to microscopic slides, large scale studies can now be performed (up to 480 tests per day and technician). Antibodies can be detected with fresh as well as with frozen platelets from a well defined cell panel. The PAIFT is 2 to 3 times more sensitive than the NIH-standard-micro-lymphocytotoxicity-test (NIH-LCT), thus allowing earlier recognition of alloimmunization of patients.