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Measurement of Platelet Counts and Volume Using Magnesium Sulfate as an Anticoagulant: Comparison of Impedance and
Steffen Mannuß1, Peter Kohlschein2, Katrin Dreißiger1
1From the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
Objectives:
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) was recently reported as an alternative in vitro anticoagulant in pseudo-thrombocytopenia. Its suitability as an anticoagulant for the determination of reliable platelet parameters is the subject of this study.
Methods:
Platelet count and mean platelet volume were measured in blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA and MgSO 4 and compared. The platelet parameters were determined by impedance (XE 5000 [Sysmex, Norderstedt, Germany]; DxH 800 [Beckman-Coulter, Krefeld, Germany]) and laser light-scatter technology (Advia 120 [Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Eschborn, Germany]).
Results:
MgSO 4 anticoagulation underestimated platelet counts compared with EDTA. Mean platelet volume (MPV) in magnesium-anticoagulated blood was lower when measured by impedance but higher when light-scatter technology was used. Storage of the differently anticoagulated blood led to differently lower platelet counts after 24 hours, independent of the anticoagulant. In EDTA blood, the mean platelet volume increased moderately when measured by impedance but markedly when measured by laser light scatter. In MgSO 4 -anticoagulated blood, the MPV increase was negligible.
Conclusions:
Impedance technology and magnesium anticoagulation might be advantageous for standardizing MPV measurements, although the mean platelet count is slightly underestimated by both technologies.
Insights
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4) may offer standardized mean platelet volume (MPV) measurements, though it slightly underestimates platelet counts. This anticoagulant shows promise for improving platelet parameter reliability in laboratory settings.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Pseudo-thrombocytopenia can lead to inaccurate platelet counts.
- Magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4) has emerged as a potential in vitro anticoagulant.
- Evaluating MgSO 4 for reliable platelet parameter determination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of MgSO 4 as an anticoagulant for accurate platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) determination.
- To compare MgSO 4 with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for platelet parameter analysis.
- To investigate the impact of different measurement technologies on platelet parameters with MgSO 4 anticoagulation.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were anticoagulated with either EDTA or MgSO 4.
- Platelet counts and MPV were measured using impedance and laser light-scatter technologies.
- Comparison of platelet parameters between EDTA and MgSO 4 anticoagulated samples.
Main Results:
- MgSO 4 anticoagulation resulted in underestimated platelet counts compared to EDTA.
- MPV measurements varied: lower with impedance, higher with light-scatter for MgSO 4.
- Platelet counts decreased after 24-hour storage regardless of anticoagulant; MPV changes differed based on technology and anticoagulant.
Conclusions:
- Impedance technology combined with MgSO 4 anticoagulation may enhance MPV measurement standardization.
- Both impedance and light-scatter technologies slightly underestimate mean platelet counts.
- MgSO 4 shows potential for improving the reliability of MPV determination in clinical diagnostics.
