What is HIT (Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia)?

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia, or HIT, was previously known as HIT type II, or immune HIT. It is an important disorder to be aware of. HIT is characterised by thrombocytopenia, which usually becomes apparent 5-10 days after the initiation of therapy².

Three important characteristics of HIT are;

• HIT is relatively common and under diagnosed³


• Up to 8% of patients receiving heparin will develop antibodies associated with HIT³


• Approximately 1-5% of patients will develop HIT³

© 2008 Organon Laboratories. All rights reserved. Date of prep. November 2008. Item code: 09847G