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Comparison of Blood Cell Count Results Between MgSO4 and K2EDTA. Stability and Accuracy of Platelet Counting With
Michel Soulard1, Hela Ketatni1, Pascale Croix1
1Biogroup Paris Ouest Hematology Laboratory, La Chocolaterie, France.
Introduction:
We investigated the stability and accuracy of platelets with MgSO4 and compared the results of blood counts between MgSO4 and K2EDTA.
Methods:
Platelet stability as a function of time was assessed on the XN Sysmex analyzer by comparing the percentage deviation to the desirable bias of the EFLM. Accuracy was determined by calculating the LoQ of platelets corresponding to a CV of 10%. Results from 250 patients were compared between K2EDTA and MgSO4.
Results:
At 20°C, platelets were stable for 24 h in impedance, 10 h in fluorescence and at 4°C for 4 h in impedance, 2 h in fluorescence. This decrease is related to the formation of platelet aggregates. For platelets in fluorescence, LoQ is 4 × 109/L using MgSO4. The results of the complete blood count did not differ between K2EDTA and MgSO4 except for the MCV, for which the median relative bias (MRB) with respect to K2EDTA was -5.6%. For MgSO4 platelets, the MRB is 2.9% in fluorescence and 11.9% in impedance.
Conclusion:
The use of MgSO4 with the XN produces results comparable to those obtained with K2EDTA, except for those related to MCV and for impedance platelets.
Insights
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) offers comparable platelet analysis to K2EDTA, with some variations in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and impedance measurements. This study evaluates MgSO4
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Platelet stability and accuracy are critical for reliable blood counts.
- Investigating alternative anticoagulants like magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is essential for optimizing laboratory workflows.
- Comparing MgSO4 with the established K2EDTA anticoagulant provides valuable insights into diagnostic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the stability and accuracy of platelet counts using MgSO4 as an anticoagulant.
- To compare complete blood count (CBC) results obtained with MgSO4 versus K2EDTA.
- To evaluate the performance of MgSO4 on the Sysmex XN analyzer.
Main Methods:
- Platelet stability was evaluated over time at different temperatures (4°C and 20°C) using impedance and fluorescence methods.
- Accuracy was determined by calculating the limit of quantitation (LoQ) for platelets.
- Complete blood counts from 250 patients were analyzed and compared between MgSO4 and K2EDTA anticoagulants.
Main Results:
- Platelet stability varied by method and temperature, with aggregate formation impacting results.
- The limit of quantitation (LoQ) for platelets in fluorescence using MgSO4 was 4 × 10^9/L.
- Complete blood count results were comparable between MgSO4 and K2EDTA, except for Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), which showed a median relative bias (MRB) of -5.6% with MgSO4.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) provides results comparable to K2EDTA for most CBC parameters on the Sysmex XN analyzer.
- Differences were observed in MCV and for impedance-based platelet measurements, requiring consideration.
- MgSO4 shows potential as a viable alternative anticoagulant for platelet analysis, with specific parameters needing careful interpretation.
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