4Ts Score: Used to assess the pre-test probability of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). Clinical score should be calculated before ordering HIT antibody tests.
1. Thrombocytopenia
2. Timing of Platelet Fall
3. Thrombosis or Sequelae
4. oTher Causes for Platelet Fall
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
Clinical Use
Assessing the pre-test probability of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Deciding whether to discontinue heparin and start an alternative anticoagulant (e.g., argatroban, danaparoid).
Determining if HIT antibody testing (PF4/heparin EIA) or functional assays (SRA) are indicated.
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Criteria
Category
2 Points
1 Point
0 Points
Thrombocytopenia
>50% fall and nadir ≥20k
30-50% fall or nadir 10-19k
<30% fall or nadir <10k
Timing of fall
Days 5-10 (or <1d if recent heparin)
After Day 10 (or unclear)
≤4 days (no prior heparin)
Thrombosis
New thrombosis, skin necrosis
Progressive/recurrent thrombosis
None
oTher causes
None apparent
Possible
Definite
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
Interpretation
Score
Probability
Management
0-3
Low (< 1%)
Continue heparin; do not test for HIT.
4-5
Intermediate (~10%)
Stop heparin; start alternative; test for HIT.
6-8
High (~50%)
Stop heparin; start alternative; test for HIT.
Section 4
Evidence Appraisal
Key Reference
Evaluation of pretest clinical score (4 Ts) for the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Lo GK et al. • Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2006;4(4):759-65