Platelet Estimate (M)

Question 1

What are the purposes (or importances) of plt estimate?

Answer 1

1) Verifies the accuracy of released PLT counts from automated machines and obtained PLT counts from manual methods
2) During automated or manual counts, PLTs tend to aggregate, disintegrate or be mistaken as dust particles, leading to discrepant results
- > *hence, it makes PLT estimate important

Question 2

What is the sx used for PLT estimate?

Answer 2

EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood

Question 3

When should PLT estimated only be performed?

Answer 3

If RBC counts are normal

Question 4

Is there a diff formula used for abnormal RBC counts?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

What are the normal values for ave count/OIF (of PLT estimate)?

Answer 5

8 - 20/OIF

Question 6

What are normal values for ave count/uL of blood (of PLT estimate)?

Answer 6

1) 140,000 - 400,000/uL
2) 140,000 - 400,000/mm^3
3) 140 - 400 X 10^9/L

Question 7

What is the process (or steps) in identifying (or computing) normal RBC count?

Answer 7

1) Using the sx, prepare a Wright-stained peripheral blood smear. Place 1 drop of cedarwood oil on the feathery edge of the stained smear
2) Examine smear using LPO. Select an area in w/c most RBCs are separated from one another. Shift to OIO
3) Count the # of PLTs in 10 consecutive fields. To obtain ave count/OIF, divide the total # of counted PLTs by 10
4) To obtain the ave count/uL of blood, multiply the ave count/OIF by 20,000

Question 8

What is the process (or steps) in identifying (or computing) abnormal RBC count?

Answer 8

1) Using the sx, prepare a Wright-stained peripheral blood smear. Place 1 drop of cedarwood oil on the feathery edge of the stained smear
2) Examine smear using LPO. Select an area in w/c most RBCs are separated from one another. Shift to OIO
3) Count the # of PLTs in 10 consecutive fields. To obtain ave count/OIF, divide the total # of counted PLTs by 10
4) To obtain the ave count/uL of blood, multiply the ave count/OIF to total RBC count and divide it by 200

Question 9

What are the interpretations of values for ave count/OIF and ave count/uL?

Answer 9

Ave count/OIF: < or equal to 7 PLTs/OIF
Ave count/uL: < 140,000/uL ; < 140,000/mm^3 ; <140 X 10^9/L
Interpretation: decreased

Ave count/OIF: 8 - 20 PLTs/OIF
Ave count/uL: 140,000 - 400,000/uL ; 140,000 - 400,000/mm^3 ; 140 - 400 X 10^9/L
Interpretation: adequate

Ave count/OIF: > or equal to 21 PLTs/OIF
Ave count/uL: > 400,000/uL ; > 400,000/mm^3 ; > 400 X 10^9/L
Interpretation: increased

Question 10

What are the 2 major results of decreased PLT estimate?

Answer 10

1) Pseudothrombocytopenia

2) True thrombocytopenia

Question 11

What are the sub results under pseudothrombocytopenia (in decreased PLT estimate)?

Answer 11

1) PLT clumps
2) Large PLTs
3) PLT-neutrophil agglutination
4) Coagulation within the sx
5) Overfilling the sx
6) PLT satellitism

Question 12

What are the 2 major results of increased PLT estimate?

Answer 12

1) Pseudothrombocytosis

2) True thrombocytosis

Question 13

What are the other sub results under pseudothrombocytosis (in increased PLT estimate)?

Answer 13

1) Cryoglobulins, cryofibrinogen
2) Extreme microcytosis, RC fragments
3) Cytoplasmic debris from nucleated cells
4) Lipids
5) Microorganisms - bacteria, fungi
6) Air bubbles