[Comparative study of platelets from healthy human donors using light microscopy and flow cytometr "Cobas micros"]

Peripheral blood platelets of 25 normal subjects were examined by optic microscopy and flow cytometry. Blood was collected routinely into tubes for Cobas Micros flow scintillator with EDTA anticoagulant. Smears were made as a monolayer and stained by May-Grünwald's method in our modification. Morphologically, 5 classes of platelets were distinguished under optic microscope: young, mature, old, macroplatelets, and irritated forms. The percentage of each class was estimated (i.e., normal platelet formula was determined). Comparison of platelet parameters obtained on a flow cytometer and optic microscopy data for subjects with high percentage of large platelets showed increased mean volume of platelets (MPV) and width of platelet volume (PDW). The curve reflecting platelet distribution by volume in these donors was characterized by strong inclination to the right and a flat plateau.