Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells
Published on: December 27, 2017
Platelet Satellitism in a Patient with Underlying Infection, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Multiple
Athanasios Liaskas1, Natali El-Gkotmi1, Anestis Karapaschalidis1
1Hematology Laboratory and Blood Bank, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece.
Platelet satellitism (PS) is an in vitro phenomenon of platelets adhering around white blood cells, especially in blood samples anticoagulated with K3EDTA. This, in some cases, can lead to spurious thrombocytopenia, without platelet dysfunction or bleeding events. Diagnosis is made by peripheral blood smear examination. The potential mechanism for PS remains largely unknown; however, it possibly involves the formation of IgG antibodies against the platelet glycoprotein receptor IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa). PS has been observed in various medical conditions, including infectious, autoimmune, and lymphoproliferative disorders, without an obvious causative relationship. Here, we describe a case of PS in a patient who presented with infection in the setting of underlying Immune Thombocytopenic Purpura and Multiple Sclerosis.
Platelet satellitism (PS) is an in vitro phenomenon of platelets adhering around white blood cells, especially in blood samples anticoagulated with K3EDTA. This, in some cases, can lead to spurious thrombocytopenia, without platelet dysfunction or bleeding events. Diagnosis is made by peripheral blood smear examination. The potential mechanism for PS remains largely unknown; however, it possibly involves the formation of IgG antibodies against the platelet glycoprotein receptor IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa). PS has been observed in various medical conditions, including infectious, autoimmune, and lymphoproliferative disorders, without an obvious causative relationship. Here, we describe a case of PS in a patient who presented with infection in the setting of underlying Immune Thombocytopenic Purpura and Multiple Sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...