Unique Antibody Test Screens for COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Blood Clots

Versiti, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI, USA) has unveiled the first comprehensive diagnostic testing menu for suspected vaccine-induced immune thrombotic-thrombocytopenia (VITT) in the US. Cases of patients developing clots (thrombosis) with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) have been reported following administration of adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines. VITT is considered to be a rare side effect of the adenovirus vector-based vaccines for COVID-19. Per reports in the medical literature, cases of VITT have been reported between 3 and approximately 20 days post vaccination.

Versiti’s unique test offering determines the presence and function of platelet-activating antibodies in patients’ blood. Published communications in the medical literature have identified the presence of these antibodies as being a key finding following the development of these life-threatening clots in individuals receiving specific COVID vaccines. These antibodies are similar to those seen in Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). Once a patient has these antibodies, physicians and providers must implement alternate anticoagulation therapies to care for the individual.

“Accurate assessment of VITT is critical to guiding appropriate drug selection and management of patients with blood clot side effects,” said Dr. Ruchika Sharma, associate medical director of Versiti’s platelet immunology laboratory. “Patients receiving incorrect therapies could be at risk for serious bleeding complications or, in some cases, worsening of their existing blood clot(s). This testing menu leverages Versiti’s decades of experience in immune platelet disorders, to provide physicians with the necessary tools to aid in the care and management of patients with suspected VITT.”

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