Background and ObjectivesCD36 antibody (Ab) causes several disorders: neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusion refractoriness and non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions. However, there is no gold‐standard test for CD36 Ab.Materials and MethodsWe developed a transfectant panel cell line‐based MoAb‐independent antigen capture assay system for detection of CD36 Ab and compared it with the monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) system in terms of sensitivity and specificity.ResultsOur new system was characterized by (1) gene‐transfected cell lines, but not panel platelets; (2) not being hampered by HLA Abs; and (3) no need to use CD36 MoAbs to ensure the antigen specificity of this detection system. In addition, it showed a much better receiver operating characteristic curve than the MAIPA system.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that our new system permits highly sensitive and specific detection of CD36 Ab.