A multicenter evaluation of the Technoscreen ADAMTS13 activity semi-quantitative screening test for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosis and exclusion

Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially fatal microangiopathy, with an untreated mortality rate of around 90%. TTP is caused by severe deficiency in ADAMTS13, which results in accumulation of ultra large von Willebrand factor multimers, triggering a consumptive thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and end-organ dysfunction and damage. Demonstration of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is diagnostic for TTP, but long turnaround times for quantitative activity testing often necessitates empirical plasma exchange and/or caplacizumab treatment. 

Methods: Multisite (n = 4) assessment of the Technoscreen ADAMTS13 activity assay (semi-quantitative flow through screening assay) for diagnosis/exclusion of TTP compared to current standard practice of quantitative assays (ELISA or chemiluminescence AcuStar). 

Results: A total of 128 patient samples were analyzed, with quantitative ADAMTS13 values ranging from 0% to 150%. The Technoscreen assay demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for ADAMTS13 deficiency, but low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV), especially with one lot of reagent. Good inter-observer reliability was demonstrated. Excluding one possibly compromised batch and other test failures, results of 80 samples yielded sensitivity of 100% (95% CI = 84–100), specificity of 90% (80–95), PPV 77% (58–89) and NPV 100% (93–100). 

Conclusion: The Technoscreen assay appears to be a reliable screening test for ADAMTS13 activity to exclude TTP in routine clinical practice. However, the assay falsely identified ADAMTS13 deficiency in many cases, partially batch related, which mandates confirmation with a quantitative assay, as well as initial assessment of kits as ‘fit for purpose’ prior to use for patient testing.