Inhibitor assay (Nijmegen Bethesda)
Category | Haematology Haematology >> Specialised Coagulation Services |
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Test background |
An inhibitor quantification may be undertaken after inhibitor screen is positive or as a first line test if there is a strong suspicion of inhibitor development. Inhibitors are formed in an individual with inherited deficiency of FVIII or FIX after exposure to specific clotting factors. Inhibitors formation can also be acquired and formed against one’s own FVIII usually in auto-immune conditions such as SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis and neoplasms. The Inhibitor Assay (Bethesda) uses the Nijmegen modification to quantify inhibitor activity in Bethesda Units (BU). |
Clinical Indications |
Inhibitor quantification may be necessary if a patient has a poor clinical response to concentrate or lower FVIII/FIX recovery after treatment with concentrates. To monitor inhibitor development in patient with mild or moderate haemophilia Acquired FVIII deficiency |
Reference range | Normal level = < 0.7 BU |
Sample & container required | 2.7 mL sodium citrate (pale blue top) adults; 1.8 mL sodium citrate (pale blue top) paediatrics |
Turnaround time | 14 days |
Notes | Please Note: Samples will be rejected if under/over-filled, clotted or haemolysed. The laboratory is not UKAS accredited for this test due to a change in equipment/assay. Awaiting assessment. |