Platelet Count, Automated
CPT Code(s):
85049
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Whole blood collected in lavender EDTA tube; inverted several times to mix blood with anticoagulant.
Rejection Criteria:
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed (plasma is used for other testing)
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Platelet Count is a clinically significant and diagnostically useful laboratory that measures the number of platelets in a patient's blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small cell fragments involved in blood clotting and wound healing.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Platelet Count include:
1. Evaluation of Bleeding Disorders: Platelet count plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, can result in increased bleeding tendency and difficulty in forming blood clots. Platelet Count helps identify and diagnose conditions associated with low platelet counts, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), drug-induced thrombocytopenia, or bone marrow disorders.
2. Monitoring Thrombocytopenia Treatment: For patients with thrombocytopenia, Platelet Count is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment strategies. It helps healthcare providers assess the response to medications, transfusions, or other interventions aimed at increasing platelet counts and managing bleeding risks.
3. Assessment of Platelet Function: While Platelet Count measures the quantity of platelets, it is also used in conjunction with other tests to evaluate platelet function. Abnormal platelet function can contribute to bleeding disorders, even with normal platelet counts. Additional tests, such as platelet aggregation studies or bleeding time tests, may be performed to assess platelet function in detail.
4. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thrombocytosis: Thrombocytosis refers to an increased number of platelets in the blood. Platelet Count helps diagnose and monitor conditions associated with thrombocytosis, such as essential thrombocythemia or reactive thrombocytosis. Elevated platelet counts may increase the risk of blood clot formation and require appropriate management and monitoring.
5. Preoperative Assessment: Platelet counts are often evaluated before surgical procedures to assess the patient's risk of excessive bleeding during or after the surgery. It helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about the need for special precautions, transfusions, or adjustments to medications that may affect platelet function.
6. Screening for Systemic Diseases: Changes in platelet counts can be associated with systemic diseases, such as infections, inflammatory conditions, or bone marrow disorders. Platelet Count may be part of a routine blood panel to screen for these conditions or monitor their progression and response to treatment.
In summary, Platelet Count is essential in evaluating bleeding disorders, monitoring thrombocytopenia treatment, assessing platelet function, diagnosing and monitoring thrombocytosis, preoperative assessment, and screening for systemic diseases. It provides critical information to healthcare providers for diagnosing and managing various hematological conditions and guiding appropriate interventions to optimize patient care. Interpretation of the test results should consider the patient's clinical history, concurrent medications, and other relevant laboratory findings to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.