ABSTRACT
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition in which platelets are destroyed prematurely by antiplatelet antibodies. There is no diagnostic test – the condition is diagnosed by exclusion of other causes of thrombocytopenia. The platelet count is persistently low (<100 × 109/L), but the FBC, blood film, PT and APTT are normal. Tests for antiplatelet antibodies are non-specific and do not distinguish ITP from gestational thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy may be needed for diagnosis.
