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The platelet estimate: is it being ignored?
Insights
The routine complete blood count (CBC) platelet estimate is often underutilized, leading to unnecessary quantitative platelet counts. This costly test should be reserved for abnormal estimates to improve laboratory efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- The complete blood count (CBC) includes a manual platelet estimate.
- The utility of this estimate in guiding further testing is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization of the platelet estimate in routine CBCs.
- To determine if the platelet estimate guides the ordering of quantitative platelet counts.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory requisition slips and results over a one-month period.
- Comparison of manual platelet estimates with quantitative platelet counts.
Main Results:
- Platelet estimates were not consistently used as intended.
- Quantitative platelet counts were frequently ordered concurrently with CBCs.
- Manual platelet estimates and quantitative counts showed agreement in 96% of cases.
Conclusions:
- The current practice of ordering quantitative platelet counts alongside CBCs is often unnecessary.
- The platelet estimate is a reliable indicator for abnormal platelet levels.
- Reserving quantitative platelet counts for abnormal estimates can reduce costs and improve laboratory resource allocation.
Abstract:
A study was undertaken to determine whether the platelet estimate included in the routine CBC is being utilized as a guide to ordering quantitative platelet counts. Requisition slips and results were reviewed for a one-month period. The data showed that platelet estimates were not being used properly. In fact, much of the time the platelet count was being ordered with the CBC. The smear estimate and quantitative count agreed in 96% of specimens. The platelet count is a costly procedure and should be reserved for those occasions when the platelet estimate is abnormal.