Lab Dept:

Hematology

Test Name:

PLATELET COUNT

General Information

Lab Order Codes:

PLTC

Synonyms:

N/A

CPT Codes:

85027 – Hemogram and platelet count, automated

Test Includes:

Platelet count reported as 10³/µL.

Logistics

Test Indications:

Useful for evaluating, diagnosing, and/or following up bleeding disorders, drug induced thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), leukemia states, and investigating purpuric petechiae.

Lab Testing Sections:

Hematology

Phone Numbers:

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

612-813-6280

651-220-6550

Test Availability:

Daily, 24 hours

Turnaround Time:

2 hours

Special Instructions:

Do Not collect specimen while lipids are being infused. A clean venipuncture is essential.

Specimen

Specimen Type:

Whole blood

Container:

Lavender top tube (EDTA) or Lavender Microtainer®

Draw Volume:

2 mL blood in a 5 mL Lavender top tube or 0.5 mL in a Lavender Microtainer®

Processed Volume:

Same as Draw Volume

Collection:

Fill to mark on tube or Microtainer®. Mix thoroughly by gentle inversion.

Special Processing:

N/A

Patient Preparation:

None

Sample Rejection:

Improper tube; clotted sample; underfilled tube; mislabeled or unlabeled specimens

Interpretive

Reference Range:

150 - 450 x 10³/µL

Critical Values:

<50 or >1,000 x 10³/µL

Limitations:

Hyperlipemia or an extremely elevated WBC may on rare occasion delay the turnaround time of the platelet count.

Methodology:

Automated Cell Counter

References:

Harmening DH (1997) Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis, 3rd ed

Oski and Nathan (1998) Hematology of Infancy and Childhood, 5^th ed