Pseudothrombocytopenia-A Review on Causes, Occurrence and Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is a frequent laboratory finding with potential for significant clinical misdiagnosis.
• Undetected PTCP can lead to overtreatment, including unnecessary platelet transfusions or invasive procedures.
• The complexity of PTCP is amplified by its association with various anticoagulants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the phenomenon of pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP), focusing on anticoagulant-dependent cases.
• To discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of PTCP.
• To propose a practical laboratory approach for managing spurious low platelet counts.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of multi-anticoagulant PTCP.
• Investigation of parameters such as temperature, amikacin supplementation, measurement methods, and anticoagulant type.
• Review of existing literature on PTCP prevalence, risk factors, and analytical considerations.

Main Results:

• Anticoagulant-dependent PTCP can occur, influenced by various pre-analytical and analytical factors.
• PTCP incidence appears higher in patients on low molecular weight heparin, during hospitalization, and in older men.
• New analytical technologies are emerging to aid in PTCP detection.

Conclusions:

• Detection of anticoagulant-dependent PTCP requires careful laboratory investigation.
• PTCP does not always indicate underlying hematological disorders.
• A structured laboratory approach is crucial for accurate platelet count assessment and patient management.