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Assay for von Willebrand Disease (VWD) VWF:IbCo

Technology Benefits

ΓÇó Uses a standard ELISA format (no specialized aggregometer needed)ΓÇó No platelets used as an assay reagent (lower reagent cost, no need to QC lots of platelets, more reproducible)ΓÇó Avoids using ristocetin (reduces costs, fewer technical problems)ΓÇó Reduced false positives (especially in diagnosis of type 2M in African Americans, decreases need for detailed workups)

Technology Application

ΓÇó Primary or first line diagnostic assay to determine VWD

Detailed Technology Description

This improved assay for detection of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most commonly diagnosed bleeding disorder, uses a flexible ELISA format. The VWF:IbCo method employs mutants of the platelet protein GPIb without the need for ristocetin as an agonist for binding functionally relevant von Willebrand factor (VWF). The improved assay, VWF:IbCo, offers several advantages over the most commonly used ristocetin cofactor assay, VWF:RCo, including reduced costs, reduced false positive rate, and simplified laboratory interpretations. The VWF:RCo assay relies on the interaction of the antibiotic ristocetin with VWF resulting in the agglutination of platelets. The current VWF:RCo uses a turbidometric or aggregometer readout and has been difficult to standardize. A study comparing results of ristocetin cofactor assay VWF:RCo and VWF:IbCo showed better reproducibility and lower false positive rates especially in individuals with VWF polymorphisms that effect the binding of ristocetin to VWF but are not associated with loss of VWF function. US patent pending published June 4, 2009 Publication No. US-2009-0142779-A1Foreign patents pending Technology is exclusively licensed in the US and abroad. Sublicenses may be available.

*Abstract

This improved assay for detection of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most commonly diagnosed bleeding disorder, uses a flexible ELISA format.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Robert R. Montgomery

Department:

Country/Region

USA