Niacin/Lovastatin-Induced Platelet-Specific IgG, Qualitative — Flow Cytometry
Detects platelet-specific IgG antibodies triggered by niacin or lovastatin, which may help evaluate suspected drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia.
A positive result supports a niacin- or lovastatin-related immune platelet reaction, but it must be interpreted with your blood count and medication history.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73247-9
- Short code
- Niacin+Lovastatin ind plt IgG SP Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Niacin+Lovastatin ind plt IgG SP Ql FC
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test looks for IgG antibodies that attach to platelets when the platelets are exposed to niacin or lovastatin. These antibodies are part of an immune reaction that can cause a low platelet count, a condition called thrombocytopenia.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if you develop a low platelet count after taking niacin or lovastatin. It may be used to help determine whether the medication is triggering an immune attack against platelets rather than causing thrombocytopenia through another mechanism.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and examined using flow cytometry. In the laboratory, your sample is tested with platelets in the presence of niacin or lovastatin to determine whether drug-dependent platelet-specific IgG is present.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Tell your clinician which medications you take, when you started niacin or lovastatin, and when the platelet symptoms or low blood count were noticed. Do not stop any medication without medical advice.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates that niacin- or lovastatin-dependent IgG can bind to platelets, supporting a drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia diagnosis. A negative result does not completely exclude a medication-related reaction, so results must be reviewed with platelet counts, other laboratory findings, and your medication history.
Short name
Drug-dependent platelet IgG antibodies
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Does a negative result rule out a drug reaction?
Should I stop taking niacin or lovastatin before testing?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy