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PLATELET COUNT
MessageHematology
Test Code
LAB301
Alias/See Also
PLT
CPT Codes
85049
Includes
PLT, MPV
May reflex Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF)
May reflex Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF)
Preferred Specimen
2.5 mL whole blood (lavender top tube, EDTA)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Microtainer fingerstick/heelstick (neonates)
Instructions
Included in CBC or CBC Differential
**Testing must be completed within 24 hours of collection.
**Testing must be completed within 24 hours of collection.
Transport Temperature
Never place whole blood on ice or transport frozen.
Specimen Stability
Room Temp 24 hours
Refrigerated 48 hours
Allow refrigerated samples to come to room temperature and mix well before analysis.
Refrigerated 48 hours
Allow refrigerated samples to come to room temperature and mix well before analysis.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolyzed
Contaminated
Clotted
QNS
Contaminated
Clotted
QNS
Methodology
The analyzer performs hematology analysis according to the hydrodynamic focusing (DC Detection), flow cytometry method (semiconductor laser), and SLS-hemoglobin method. The device counts and sizes platelets (PLT) using electronic resistance detection. The fluorescent platelets (PLT-F) are all evaluated using flow cytometry with a semiconductor laser exploiting the differences in cell size, complexity, and RNA / DNA content.
Setup Schedule
Same day. Available STAT.
Report Available
Same day
Limitations
Specimens must be free of clots and fibrin strands.
Both "giant platelets" and "platelet clumping" may falsely elevate the WBC count and falsely decrease the platelet count.
Platelet clumping and/or "platelet satellitism" may occur in specimens collected in EDTA. Methods for handling samples with platelet clumping or "platelet satellitism" include: vortexing the original sample and reanalyzing or redrawing the patient sample in a blue top and testing within 30 min of draw.
Both "giant platelets" and "platelet clumping" may falsely elevate the WBC count and falsely decrease the platelet count.
Platelet clumping and/or "platelet satellitism" may occur in specimens collected in EDTA. Methods for handling samples with platelet clumping or "platelet satellitism" include: vortexing the original sample and reanalyzing or redrawing the patient sample in a blue top and testing within 30 min of draw.
Reference Range
PLT: 150 - 400 K/µL
Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) where applicable and reflexed only: 0.9 - 11.2%
Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) where applicable and reflexed only: 0.9 - 11.2%
Clinical Significance
Platelet Count is most often used to monitor or diagnose conditions that cause too much bleeding or too much clotting. Values should be correlated to the clinical indications of the patient’s presentation.
IPF predicts platelet recovery following chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Higher than normal range signals imminent platelet recovery and possibly limits the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions.
IPF predicts platelet recovery following chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Higher than normal range signals imminent platelet recovery and possibly limits the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions.
Performing Laboratory
HHN/HHI
