Platelet immunological assays have been used for several decades. The antiglobulin consummation test was the first to be introduced followed by the immunoradiometric technique, immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunological specific assay, as well as the different monoclonal antibody specific immobilisation of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assays. Using these different tests, it is possible to detect, quantify and define the specificity of platelet antibodies in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and post transfusion purpura.