NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immucor, Inc., a global leader in transfusion and transplantation diagnostics, today announced the launch of Pak Lx™, a qualitative Luminex®-based immunoassay that brings high-definition to platelet antibody testing. While the assay is CE marked and has previously been available in international markets, Pak Lx is now available as a research use only (RUO) kit in the United States.
Platelets express a variety of polymorphic proteins that may become targets for antibodies as a result of pregnancy or transfusion. The presence of antibodies that bind to platelet glycoproteins is associated with life-threatening bleeding disorders, such as refractoriness to platelet transfusions, post-transfusion purpura (PTP), and fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).
The Pak Lx assay may be used to detect and differentiate IgG antibodies to Human Platelet Antigens (HPA-1, HPA-2, HPA-3, HPA-4, HPA-5), Glycoprotein (GPIV), and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA Class I). Once validated for use, Pak Lx may be used to support the selection of antigen negative or HLA-matched platelets for transfusion, providing a better matched unit to improve patient care.
“Immucor is pleased to expand the offering of Pak Lx to the US market,” stated Christie Otis, Senior Transfusion Franchise Director at Immucor. “Pak Lx is an important addition to our platelet compatibility portfolio and provides another tool to enable laboratories to select antigen negative or HLA-matched platelets for transfusion. The availability of Pak Lx further supports Immucor’s portfolio for red cell and platelet compatibility testing.”
Pak Lx availability demonstrates Immucor’s commitment to transfusion and transplant diagnostics. Immucor’s total solution extends beyond platelet compatibility testing and includes a full line of automated immunohematology instruments including the NEO® and Echo® analyzers, PreciseType® (the only FDA licensed molecular immunohematology solution), and a broad portfolio of transplant solutions, including LIFECODES® for HLA typing and antibody screening, MIA FORA® for NGS HLA typing, and kSORT™ for post-transplant surveillance.
Request a Demonstration
To schedule a demonstration of Pak Lx, or any Immucor solution, Immucor clients may contact their local Molecular and Specialty Diagnostics Business Manager. For more information about Immucor products, please contact your local Immucor representative or visit www.immucor.com.
About Immucor
Founded in 1982, Immucor is a global leader in transfusion and transplantation diagnostics that facilitate patient-donor compatibility. Our mission is to ensure that patients in need of blood, organs or stem cells get the right match that is safe, accessible and affordable. With the right match, we can transform a life together. For more information on Immucor, visit www.immucor.com.