Detection of platelet-associated antibodies by flow cytometry in hematological autoimmune disorders

We describe our experience in the evaluation of platelet-associated immunoglobulins (PAIg) by flow cytometry in comparison to solid-phase assay in patients affected by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and by Evans syndrome. Results show that the analysis of PAIg by flow cytometry is easy and reliable and correlates well with data obtained by the solid-phase technique. In addition, flow cytometry allows the evaluation of samples containing small numbers of platelets (< 20,000/mm3); the analysis is objective, not influenced by personal experience. Moreover, flow cytometry appears simple enough to be performed in a routine laboratory, and data might be retrieved to perform batch analysis. Our results appear to indicate that PAIg flow cytometry might be a sensitive tool for the evaluation of patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia.