TTP: a disorder for all physicians

In this issue of Blood, Deshpande et al 1 describe the measurement of plasma ADAMTS13 using rapid assays of ADAMTS13 activity.The absence or severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 is the diagnostic feature of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).Results can be available in 30 minutes, compared with our current experience of 2 to 3 days.The availability of a rapid assay will provide simplicity for diagnosing TTP.Simplicity will inevitably lead to earlier recognition and may also lead to much more recognition of patients with TTP.