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Test Code PLT Platelet Count

Additional Codes

Cerner

NextGen

Platelet Count

Platelet Count

PLT

 

Alternate Name(s)

PLT

Patient Preparation

None

Collection Instructions

Do not place samples on a mechanical rocker. 

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Volume

12 x 75 mm tube EDTA-2K or EDTA-3K Lavender filled to capacity

Minimum Volume
  • 1mL of whole blood in 12 x 75 mm tube EDTA-2K or EDTA-3K Lavender
  • 160 μL of whole blood in microtube EDTA-2K or EDTA-3K Lavender

Container
  • 12 x 75 mm tube EDTA-2K or EDTA-3K Lavender

  • Microtube EDTA-2K or EDTA-3K Lavender

 

Stability
  • Sample stability at room temperature is 24 hours.
  • Stored at 2-8oC, EDTA blood samples with normal results may be analyzed up to 48 hours

Rejection Criteria
  • Clotted samples or those containing clots, fibrin strands, or platelet clumps.  All specimens will be checked visually for obvious clots prior to sampling by the analyzer.
  • Grossly hemolyzed samples.
  • Samples drawn above an IV line.

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reference Range
  • Birth to 30 days: 100,000/ µL – 300,000/ µL
  • 30 Days to 150 years: 150,000/ µL – 450,000/ µL

Critical Ranges
  • <30,000/ µL
  • >1,000,000/ µL

Reflex Testing

  • A fluorescent platelet may be performed when:
    • Red cell fragments, microcytic RBC's or white cell cytoplasmic fragments may interfere with automated platelet counts.
    • If >10 megakaryocytes/100 WBC are seen on Slide examination
  • Slide examination of platelets occurs when:
    • Instrument parameter flags indicate abnormal cell populations, requiring a technologist to review slides to verify cell identity and abnormal morphology.
    • <50,000/ µL
    • >700,000/ µL
  • Abnormal Heme Smear Path Review will be performed for platelet counts less than 50,000/ µL or greater than 1,000,000/ µL (first time only).

Limitations

  • Giant platelets and clumped platelets may falsely elevate the WBC count and falsely decrease the platelet count.
  • Megakaryocytes may falsely increase WBC counts on automated hematology analyzers.

Useful For/ Methodology

Sysmex XN, Hydro Dynamic Focusing (DC Detection) or flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser with a two-dimensional scattergram for fluorescent platelets (PLT-F).

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