Lesson 2-6

Platelet Count

Platelets

• Smallest blood “cell”• Important in hemostasis• React to vessel injury

Clinical Significance

• Reference range– 150,000–400,000/µL (1.5–4.0 × 1011/L)

• Thrombocytosis• Thrombocytopenia

Conditions that can cause thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosisThrombocytopeniaBone marrow damage

Sequestration of platelets by enlarged spleen

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Chronic alcoholism

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

ThrombocytosisPolycythemia vera

Bleeding disorders

Hemolytic anemias

Inflammatory reactions

Chronic granulocytic leukemia

Manual Platelet Count

• Blood diluting systems– BMP LeukoChek

• 20 μL capillary• 1.98 mL ammonium oxalate• 1:100 dilution

– Thrombo-TIC• 10 μL capillary• 990 μL ammonium oxalate• 1:100 dilution

BMP LeukoChek Platelet Count

Leuko-TIC Platelet Count

Manual Platelet Count

• Allow platelets to settle• Count platelets

Manual Platelet Count

Manual Platelet Count• Calculations • Automation

Questions