Laboratory Services

Platelet Count, Automated

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Platelet Count, Automated
Synonym(s)
PLT
Test ID
PLT
General Information
Evaluate, diagnose, and/or follow up bleeding disorders, drug-induced thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (acute or chronic), disseminated intravascular coagulation, leukemia states, chemotherapeutic management of malignant disease states; investigate purpura, petechiae; evaluate response to platelet transfusions, steroids, or other therapy
Specimen Type
Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Lavender
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
Lavender - Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after collection
Minimum Sample Volume
0.5 mL of Whole Blood
Pediatric Min. Volume (if applicable)
500 μL for pediatric microtainer capillary tubes; fill tube to capacity.
Additional Processing Details
Specimen is stable at Room Temperature 1 day Specimen is stable Refrigerated 2 days
Stability
Room Temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 2 days
Frozen: Unacceptable 
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
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.
Limitations
Clumping may cause false low count. Platelet satellitism around neutrophils will cause a pseudothrombocytopenia. RBC or WBC fragments including fragmented fragile leukemic cells and neutrophil pseudoplatelets may cause falsely elevated counts.
Methodology
Automated
Estimated TAT
0-2 days
Testing Schedule
Monday-Saturday, & STAT
CPT Code(s)
85049
Reference Range
PLT, 10³/µL 150 - 400
Reflex Conditions
None
Performing Lab
Incyte Diagnostics
LOINC Code(s)
777-3