Niacin/Lovastatin-Induced Platelet IgM Antibody, Serum/Plasma — Qualitative
Detects IgM antibodies that bind to platelets in the presence of niacin or lovastatin, which can be associated with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
["A positive result may indicate that niacin or lovastatin is triggering a platelet-directed immune reaction."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73246-1
- Short code
- Niacin+Lovastatin ind plt IgM SP Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Niacin+Lovastatin ind plt IgM 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 qualitative blood test looks for drug-dependent IgM antibodies that bind to platelets when niacin or lovastatin is present. These antibodies may occasionally contribute to an immune-mediated platelet disorder.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if taking niacin or lovastatin is associated with a low platelet count, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or purplish spots on the skin. It helps evaluate whether an immune reaction to one of these medicines may be responsible.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory separates serum or plasma. The sample is tested for IgM binding to platelets in the presence of niacin or lovastatin, and the result is reported as positive, negative, or possibly indeterminate.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required beyond following your clinician's instructions for the blood draw. Tell the laboratory which doses of niacin and lovastatin you are taking and when they were started, but do not stop prescribed 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 the blood contains IgM capable of binding to platelets in association with niacin or lovastatin. This may support a diagnosis of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia, particularly when low platelet counts and bleeding symptoms began after one of these medicines was started. A negative result does not completely exclude a drug-related platelet reaction, so results must be interpreted with your medication history and other laboratory findings.
Short name
Drug-dependent platelet IgM antibodies
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Does this test diagnose thrombocytopenia on its own?
Should I stop taking niacin or lovastatin before the test?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy