Platelet Serology
Program Code: 5425-TC
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Jean-Louis Kerkhoffs, MD, Sanquin Blood Bank, Southwest Region

SPEAKERS
Jean-Louis Kerkhoffs, MD, Sanquin Blood Bank, Southwest Region
Anne Husebekk, Prof, PhD, MD, University of Tromsoe
Leendert Porcelijn, MD, Sanquin Diagnostic Services

DESCRIPTION
Platelet auto- and allo antibodies are associated with a number of clinical problems, i.e. auto-immune thrombocytopenia, refractoriness to platelet transfusions and neonatal allo-immune thrombocytopenia. Frequently, these clinical situations are related with serious complications and sometimes lifesaving, urgent management is warranted. Proper diagnosis and interpretation of laboratory techniques are essential in directing managerial strategies. In this "Platelet serology" session a number of clinical issues related to anti-platelet antibodies will be discussed, together with an overview of established and novel laboratory techniques. Two lectures will discuss the clinical impact of anti-platelet antibodies. One lecture will deal with laboratory techniques and the interpretation of these techniques in the clinical setting. The session will be illustrative for clinicians, transfusion specialists and scientists in immunology.