Interference of IgG, IgG aggregates and immune complexes in tests for platelet autoantibodies

Three techniques, based on the antiglobulin principle, used for the detection of autoantibodies against platelets, were compared; the antiglobulin consumption assay (QACA), the platelet radioactive antiglobulin test (PRAT) and the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test (PSIFT). Upon incubation of normal donor platelets with purified IgG, in concentrations higher than that in serum, an increased amount of platelet-associated IgG was demonstrated only in the QACA. Upon incubation with aggregated IgG, all three tests became positive, but the PSIFT only with high concentrations of aggregates. Binding of soluble C1q-binding immune complexes (IC), which consisted of tetanus toxoid and IgG antitetanus antibodies (TaT) to normal donor platelets, was only detectable in the QACA. However, a positive result was obtained in all three tests with platelets incubated with soluble DNA-IgG-antiDNA antibodies (DaD) IC. Fixation of the platelets with paraformaldehyde prevented the binding and the detection of the DaD-IC, but not of IgG, aggregated IgG or TaT-IC. Eluates from platelets incubated with aggregated IgG, TaT- or DaD-IC did not react with normal donor platelets in the three techniques, in contrast to eluates from platelets sensitized with platelet antibodies.