PLATELET COUNT (089-0468)

Synonyms: PLT

CPT 4 Code:  85595

Test Order Mnemonic: PLT

Test Includes: Platelet Count

Applies To: Monitoring clotting status when other Complete Blood Cell (CBC) parameters are not required.

Lab: Hematopathology

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Venipuncture preferred; Micro-collection acceptable.

Storage Instructions: Stable at room temperature for 24 hours.  Stable Refrigerated for 36 hours.

Cause For Rejection: Clotted, QNS, identification error

Availability: Samples are accepted  24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough

Turnaround Time: STAT: 1 hour;  Routine: 4 hours

Special Instructions: ECMO specimens should be delivered directly to the Hematopathology lab (5.142 McCullough)

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 2 ml

Minimum Volume: 1 mL (0.5 mL in extreme emergency)

Container: EDTA (Lavender-top tube) [Lab may request additional sodium citrate tube {blue top} in certain situations.]

Reference Ranges: 150-400 x 10³/mL

Critical Values:  Platelets < 50 or > 1000 x 10³/mL

Test Method: Part of an automated multi-parameter.

Interfering Substances: High WBC counts, nucleated red blood cells, circulating micro-megakaryocytes,  clumped platelets,  fibrin strands, inappropriate anticoagulants, giant platelets, extreme microcytosis, RBC fragments.

Reviewed/revised 10/10/07 by L.. Emanuel, MT (ASCP)