A microtiter plate technique for the detection of platelet antibodies and platelet antigen typing.

A microtiter plate assay is described for platelet serologic studies. The assay is based on an indirect radiolabeled antiglobulin test. The test was performed in microtiter wells of 400 microliter capacity manufactured to form strips that fit into a standard 96-well carrier. The strips were broken apart and placed into tubes for counting in a gamma counter. The technique does not require fixation of the platelets to the wells. Freshly collected platelets or platelets that have been stored frozen in 5 percent dimethylsulfoxide can be used. Results are presented using the technique for platelet alloantibody identification, platelet antigen typing, and platelet crossmatching.