Platelets
Abbreviation
PLT
Transport Temp
2-8 C (ice packs) or ambient
Stability
Store at 2-8 C up to 24 hours, CBC’s not viable after 24 hours
Minimum Vol
EDTA Draw tube at least half full
Alternative Specimens
None
Reference Ranges
150-400 10e3/uL
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube
Methodology
Flow cytometric techniques
Clinical Significance
Decreased-bone marrow disorders, idiopathic mononucleosis, hepatitis, HIV, measles,certain drugs, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, cancer in the bone marrow, aplastic anemia, chronic bleeding, sepsis, cirrhosis, autoimmune disorders like lupus, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia purpura, hemolytic uremia, syndrome, exposure to toxic chemicals. Increased-lung, gastrointestinal, ovarian, breast cancers or lymphoma, iron-deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, RA, tuberculosis, spleenectomy, oral contraceptives, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
Preferred Specimen
Plasma, EDTA