Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia Screen (Blood)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HITS

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1382

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

  • Collect 4.5ml blood in plain tube (red top).

    Transport

  • Requires urgent hand delivery to Haematology Department along with a copy of the request form.
  • DO NOT PLACE ON 8100
  • Fresh samples are recommended due to loss of activity in frozen samples.
  • Do not spin the SST tube - please hand deliver to the Coagulation department.
  • Frozen samples are stored in the Specimen Freezer (No 35) in the Coagulation rack.
  • Partially thawed samples should be given directly to Coagulation staff.

    Registration

    Please register test code HITS.

    Separating

    Spin at 4,300rpm (3,815) 7-minutes.

    Sample Stability

  • Fresh separated serum: 6-hours at ambient (8-24°C) temperature.

    • Synonyms

    Heparin Induced Thrombosis
    HIT
    HIT Screen

    Turnaround Time

    1 day

    Urgent requests turnaround time 60-minutes from receipt into Haemostasis laboratory.

    Specimen Type

    • Whole Blood

    Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • Please refer to Additional Information below
    • Plain (Red Top)
    Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

    4.5

    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    4.5

    No of Samples Required

    1

    Paediatric Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • Please refer to Additional Information below
    • Plain (Red Top)
    Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

    4.5

    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    4.5

    Additional Specimen Information

    0.5ml (minimum) frozen serum acceptable.

    Last updated: 26/08/2026