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Accuracy of low electronic platelet counts using platelet distribution curves
The American Journal of Medical Technology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Electronic platelet counts can be inaccurate at low levels due to background noise. Coupling a particle size analyzer with an electronic counter improves accuracy by eliminating extraneous counts, enhancing reliability for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Electronic platelet counts are prone to inaccuracies at low levels.
- Background particle counts significantly contribute to total counts, affecting accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the accuracy of electronic platelet counts at low levels.
- To selectively eliminate background contributions in platelet counting.
Main Methods:
- Coupling a multichannel particle size analyzer (Coulter Channelyzer II) to an electronic counter (Coulter ZBI).
- Adjusting the lower threshold for platelet counts below 50 x 10(9)/l.
- Comparing ZBI-Channelyzer counts with phase platelet counts in 30 patients.
Main Results:
- Platelet counts below 50 x 10(9)/l required threshold adjustments in 11 of 15 specimens.
- Non-platelet counts averaged 18% of the platelet particle count at low levels.
- Electronic counts using the ZBI-Channelyzer showed good agreement with the reference method.
Conclusions:
- The combined ZBI-Channelyzer system effectively reduces background noise for accurate low-level platelet counting.
- This method enhances the reliability of electronic platelet counts, particularly in clinical settings.
- The study highlights the importance of addressing background interference in automated cell counting.