Abstract
A two‐stage agglutination test is described, in which the synergistie action of autoantibodies and heteroantibodies in subagglutinating doses is utilized for the detection of thrombocyte autoantibodies. The test is more sensitive than the direct agglutination test for detecting thrombocyte agglutinins. It also detects ‘incomplete’ antithrombocyte antibodies with high reproducibility. The two‐stage agglutination test gave positive results in 11 of 21 cases of ITP while the direct agglutination test was positive in only 3 of these cases. It is simple and easy to perform, as it utilizes very small quantities of thrombocytes and requires no washings of the thrombocytes. The direct variation of this test is discussed.

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