What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're currently on or recently finished a heparin treatment (like after a surgery or hospital stay) and your platelet count has dropped unexpectedly. It helps figure out whether your body is having a serious immune reaction to heparin called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which can raise your risk of dangerous blood clots. If you've noticed unusual bruising, bleeding, or your care team flagged a falling platelet count while on heparin, this panel provides the lab evidence needed to sort out what's going on.

What's included in this test?

This panel combines two complementary tests: an antibody screen that checks whether your immune system has formed antibodies against heparin, and a functional assay that confirms whether those antibodies actually activate platelets in a way that could cause clotting. Running both together matters because the antibody test alone can flag false positives, so the functional test is used to confirm a true HIT diagnosis with much more confidence.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each part of the panel explained, including what counts as a normal versus a positive finding for heparin antibodies and platelet activation. Because HIT is a time-sensitive condition, if either part of this test comes back positive, you should seek medical care right away rather than waiting, since ongoing heparin exposure can be dangerous. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if you're retested later, you can track your platelet-related results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy platelet function?

While there's no natural remedy for HIT itself since it's an immune reaction to a medication, you can support overall platelet and vascular health by staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin K (leafy greens) and vitamin C, and avoiding alcohol and NSAIDs that can further affect bleeding risk. Gentle movement, if approved for your situation, also helps circulation. These habits support general health but do not replace stopping or adjusting heparin exposure if HIT is confirmed.

When will I get my results?

Results for this panel typically take about 7 days to come back from the lab, since one of the two components involves a specialized functional assay that takes extra processing time. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your account. Given the urgent nature of suspected HIT, if you have concerning symptoms in the meantime, don't wait for results to seek care.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most relevant for people who are currently receiving or have recently received unfractionated heparin, especially after surgery, and who have seen a noticeable drop in platelet counts within 1 to 10 days of starting treatment. It's particularly important for those in higher-risk situations, such as post-surgical patients, since HIT incidence in that group can run from 1% to 5%. If a clinical scoring assessment (like the 4Ts score) suggests intermediate or high risk, this test provides the lab confirmation needed.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a sudden or steady drop in platelet count while on heparin, new or worsening blood clots (in a leg, lung, or elsewhere), unusual skin lesions at injection sites, or unexplained bruising or bleeding. Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 10 days after starting heparin therapy. If any of these show up during or shortly after heparin treatment, this panel can help clarify whether HIT is the cause.

What does a positive heparin antibody result mean?

A positive result on the antibody portion means your immune system has produced antibodies that react to heparin, but this alone doesn't confirm HIT since some people develop these antibodies without developing the full clotting reaction. That's why a positive antibody result is typically followed by the functional assay (serotonin release assay) to see if those antibodies are actually activating platelets. If both come back positive, it strongly supports a HIT diagnosis and calls for prompt medical attention.

What causes a false result on this panel?

Certain medications can interfere with this panel's accuracy — notably, being on ticagrelor (Brilinta) can cause a false negative on the serotonin release assay portion. Timing also matters, since testing too early or too late in the platelet-drop window can affect accuracy. Always share your current medication list when you order this test so results can be interpreted correctly.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your antibody or functional assay results come back positive, treat it as urgent: seek medical care immediately, since continuing heparin exposure with confirmed HIT raises the risk of serious clotting events. Bring your lab report with you so the findings can be acted on quickly. Retesting or additional clotting workups may be recommended depending on how your symptoms progress.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIT Panel - Heparin Antibody & Platelet Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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