Versiti Introduces New Anti-von Willebrand Factor Antibody Assay

Versiti, an AABB institutional member based in Milwaukee, Wisc., launched the organization's new anti-von Willebrand factor (VWF) antibody assay last week. Investigators at the Versiti Blood Research Institute developed this first-of-its-kind assay to help clinicians identify patients suspected of having acquired von Willebrand disease (aVWD).

According to Versiti, the diagnostic journey of aVWD can be challenging for clinicians and patients, especially when available testing options yield inconclusive results. Typically, clinicians use a VWF inhibitor assay when they suspect autoimmunity to VWF; however, this assay is unable to rule out an anti-VWF antibody due to its functional focus on GPIb platelet binding.

Versiti’s new VWF antibody assay overcomes this limitation by identifying more potential pathways for anti-VWF antibody detection by detecting both inhibitory and non-inhibitory antibodies that bind VWF, leading to increased clearance and supporting a diagnosis of aVWD.

“There are multiple mechanisms by which a patient can develop acquired von Willebrand disease. This new assay allows a way to specifically determine whether a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease has the disorder due to an autoimmune mechanism,” said Kenneth Friedman, MD, investigator and senior medical director of hematology. “The ability to confirm the mechanism will ultimately help to inform doctors and guide treatment plans, leading to improved patient outcomes.”

Patients who may benefit from this assay will present with a recent history of unexplained bleeding symptoms and low VWF activity and may or may not have another pre-existing condition. Clinicians may also utilize the assay for patients with type 3 VWD suspected of developing an antibody to VWF replacement therapy.