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Research ArticleFocus: Interpreting the Complete Blood Count

A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Platelet Parameters of the Complete Blood Count

Kathy Doig and Michelle Butina
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science July 2017, 30 (3) 194-201; DOI: https://doi.org/10.29074/ascls.30.3.194
Kathy Doig
Professor Emeritus, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
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  • For correspondence: doig@msu.edu
Michelle Butina
Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory Science Program, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, KY
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  1. Kathy Doig, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM SH(ASCP)CM⇑
    1. Professor Emeritus, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
  2. Michelle Butina, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM
    1. Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory Science Program, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, KY
  1. Address for Correspondence: Kathy Doig, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM SH(ASCP)CM, 354 Farm Lane, Rm. N322, E. Lansing, MI 48824, 517-353-1985, doig{at}msu.edu
  1. List the platelet parameters of a complete blood count (CBC) and additional special tests of platelet age.

  2. Describe the principle of analysis for each of the platelet parameters of the CBC.

  3. Describe the steps for interpretation of the platelet values on a CBC.

  4. Recognize results consistent with spurious platelet values and recommend procedures to correct them.

  5. Given CBC results, apply a methodical approach to thoroughly interpret each platelet value using the diagnostic heuristic provided below.

Abstract

Consistent use of a methodical approach to interpreting complete blood count (CBC) results can help detect spurious results that require remedy before results are reported. It can also help ensure that no clinically important information is overlooked during diagnostic interpretation of the results. The steps for interpreting the platelet portion of the CBC are:

  1. Interpret the total platelet count relative to the reference interval.

  2. Examine the mean platelet volume and compare to the reference interval.

  3. Examine the platelet distribution width and compare to the reference interval.

  4. Examine the platelet distribution histogram for evidence of interferences. Take steps to correct these and reassess Steps 1-3 based on the revised results.

  5. Examine the immature platelet fraction and compare to the reference interval.

  6. Correlate the numerical parameters with platelet morphology.

  7. Correlate platelet results with red blood and white blood cell parameters and conduct clinical assessment of the patient's values.

Explanations for conducting the evaluations are provided and the steps are applied to example cases to demonstrate the approach to interpreting the platelet parameters of the CBC.

ABBREVIATIONS: CBC - complete blood count, rbc-red blood cell, RBC-red blood cell count, MCV-mean cell volume, plt-platelet, PLT-platelet count, RDW- red blood cell distribution width, RNA-ribonucleic acid, wbc-white blood cell, μL-microliter

    INDEX TERMS
  • Platelet counts
  • platelet number
  • mean platelet volume
  • © Copyright 2017 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Inc. All rights reserved.
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American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: 30 (3)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
Vol. 30, Issue 3
Summer 2017
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A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Platelet Parameters of the Complete Blood Count
Kathy Doig, Michelle Butina
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Jul 2017, 30 (3) 194-201; DOI: 10.29074/ascls.30.3.194

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A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Platelet Parameters of the Complete Blood Count
Kathy Doig, Michelle Butina
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Jul 2017, 30 (3) 194-201; DOI: 10.29074/ascls.30.3.194
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More in this TOC Section

  • A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the White Blood Cell Parameters of the Complete Blood Count
  • The Rationale for a Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Complete Blood Count and Its Development
  • A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Red Blood Cell Parameters of the Complete Blood Count
Show more Focus: Interpreting the Complete Blood Count

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Keywords

  • Platelet counts
  • platelet number
  • mean platelet volume

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