No more mixing tests required for integrated assay systems in the laboratory diagnosis of lupus anticoagulants?

摘要

I observed with pleasure the publication of the official communication of the Subcommittee for Standardisation (SSC) concerning the updated guidelines for lupus anticoagulants (LAC) detection [1]. LAC assays are one of the laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and show strong association with thrombotic events and fetal loss [2]. On the other hand, LAC detection has several disadvantages, as particular care in the handling and preparation of plasma samples is required, and the methodology is complicated and labour-intensive [3]. The laboratory diagnosis of LAC is still a major challenge for the clinical laboratory, as, in spite of their refinement over the past years, test procedures have essentially not changed [4]. At present, the members of the SSC provide useful additional details and specifications about LAC detection in more stringent guidelines, obtained via international consensus statements [1].