The detection methods for antiplatelet autoantibodies (phase II and phase III assay)

A variety of methods are utilized to detect antiplatelet autoantibodies nowadays, platelet-associated immunoglobulin G(PAIgG) is a phase II assay of limited value in the meaning of its sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP), although it has been ordered in many occasions. The newer antigen-specific assays(phase III), which can identify autoantibodies against platelet glycoprotein(GP)s, such as GP IIb/IIIa, with greater specificity but lower sensitivity are rarely performed in clinical situations in Japan. Development of novel systems to detect clinically more relevant markers, including specific antiplatelet autoantibodies, is necessary for the diagnosis of ITP.