A Hexagonal Phospholipid Neutralization test, often abbreviated as HPP test, is a laboratory assay used in the evaluation of lupus anticoagulants (LAs) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
The primary purpose of the HPP test is to identify lupus anticoagulants. Lupus anticoagulants are autoantibodies that interfere with blood clotting and can lead to an increased risk of abnormal blood clot formation (thrombosis).
The test uses a hexagonal (II) phase phospholipid (PL) as part of the assay system. Egg phosphatidylethanolamine (EPE) is commonly used as the hexagonal phase phospholipid. This unique approach helps confirm the presence of lupus anticoagulants in a patient's blood.
The HPP test is highly sensitive, meaning it can detect lupus anticoagulants even at low concentrations. However, it is less specific compared to some other tests for detecting antiphospholipid antibodies. This means that while it can identify potential cases of lupus anticoagulants, further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out false positives.
The HPP test is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as the lupus anticoagulant reflexive panel, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and other related conditions.
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