The use of radiolabeled and fluorescein-labeled antiglobulins in assays to predict platelet transfusion outcome

We used both radiolabeled and fluorescein-labeled antiglobulins in assays to detect antibodies against platelets in multiply transfused patients to determine the value of these tests in predicting the outcome of platelet transfusion in such patients. In 15 allosensitized patients, we studied 68 single-donor platelet transfusions, 43 (63%) of which had a poor outcome, defined as a corrected count increment (CCI), less than 10,000. The results obtained with either test were significantly correlated with the CCI following transfusion (p less than 0.001), but the assay using the radiolabeled antiglobulin had slightly better sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. When the assays were used in combination, there was again significant correlation with the CCI of the transfusion, p less than 0.001. When both assays predicted failure of the transfusions, 31/31 (100%) such transfusions resulted in a CCI of less than 10,000, and when both assays predicted success of the transfusions, 14/15 (93%) such transfusions resulted in a CCI of greater than 10,000. Both assays are useful in predicting the outcome of the platelet transfusions; when the assay results were concordant, almost total predictive accuracy was obtained.