HematologyTesting

Versiti Diagnostic Labs provides specialized testing for the evaluation of disorders involving abnormal numbers of blood cells, including immune and non-immune disorders of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We also provide comprehensive functional and genetic testing in support of inherited and immune platelet and neutrophil disorders. 

Versiti is recognized as a national leader in the diagnosis and evaluation of von Willebrand disease, offering one of the most advanced and comprehensive testing programs available. Their approach combines cutting‑edge laboratory science with deep clinical expertise to address the complexity of VWD, which is both the most common inherited bleeding disorder and one of the most frequently misdiagnosed.

Why Clinicians Trust Versiti for VWD Testing

• Highly specialized assays not widely available elsewhere
• Reflexive algorithms that streamline diagnosis
• Expert interpretation by leaders in hematology and hemostasis, plus genetic counselors
• Commitment to advancing VWD diagnostics through research and innovation

Versiti’s comprehensive and methodical approach provides clinicians with confidence that their patients are receiving the most accurate and clinically meaningful evaluation possible. 

Versiti offers VWF GPIbM activity testing to measure von Willebrand factor platelet binding function. The VWF GPIbM Activity assay measures binding of VWF to mutant GPIba without the need for ristocetin and is well correlated with the VWF:RCo assay1. The VWF GPIbM Activity assay demonstrates superior precision and sensitivity2 compared with the VWF ristocetin cofactor assay. Additionally, it is not subject to the falsely low values seen in individuals who possess the common p.D1472H polymorphism or the rare p.P1467S variant3, both of which confound the accurate diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). 

In 2024, Versiti Diagnostic Laboratories added the automated Innovance® VWF:GPIbM Assay to our clinical testing menu for clients who utilize our Hemostasis Laboratory. Because the Innovance® VWF:GPIbM Assay is FDA approved for patients over 6 months of age, we will continue to offer our ELISA-based method exclusively for patients 0-6 months of age. The appropriate assay methodology will be automatically applied during the order entry process based upon the patient’s age at the time of sample draw and cannot be altered upon request. 

Still to come is the new VWF GPIbM Confirmatory Panel (order code #1098), which includes two non-ristocetin dependent methods of measurement of VWF binding to GPIba. Because Versiti’s ELISA-based method is not affected by the interference that may occur with some automated turbidimetric methods, this panel can be used both to identify the interference and to ascertain the true VWF:GPIbM activity level.

Sources

Geisen U, Zieger B, Nakamura L, Weis A, Heiz J, Michiels JJ, Heilman C. Comparison of von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity VWF: Ac with VWF ristocetin cofactor activity VWF: RCo. Thromb res 2014. 134: 246-50. 

Patzke J, Budde U, Huber A, Mendez A, Muth H, Obser T, Peerschke E, Wilkens M, Schneppenheim R. Performance evaluation and multicentre study of a von Willebrand factor activity assay based on GPIb binding in the absence of ristocetin. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2014; 25: 860-70. 

Flood VH, Gill JC, Moratek PA, Christopherson P, Friedman KH, Haberichter SL, Hoffman RG, Montgomery RR. Gain-of-function GPIb binding ELISA assay.