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Pseudothrombocytopenia in plateletpheresis donors
J D Sweeney1, S Holme, W A Heaton
1American Red Cross Blood Services, Mid-Atlantic Region and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk.
Transfusion
|January 1, 1995
Summary
EDTA pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) can affect apheresis donors, causing falsely low platelet counts. This study found PTCP does not impact platelet component yield or recipient response.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- EDTA pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is an artifact causing spuriously low platelet counts due to EDTA anticoagulation.
- Apheresis donors' blood samples are routinely collected in EDTA tubes for complete blood counts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and impact of EDTA pseudothrombocytopenia in plateletpheresis donors.
- To confirm PTCP in donors with low postdonation platelet counts.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed apheresis donor records for low postdonation platelet counts (<100 x 10(9)/L).
- Confirmed PTCP by serial platelet counts in EDTA, heparin, and citrate tubes.
- Assessed platelet counts in citrated plasma before and after EDTA addition.
- Monitored HLA-matched component response in recipients.
Main Results:
- Identified 2 donors with PTCP out of 945 apheresis donors (0.2% prevalence).
- Confirmed PTCP in both identified donors.
- EDTA addition to citrated plasma did not alter platelet counts.
- Transfused HLA-matched components showed acceptable recipient response.
Conclusions:
- PTCP can occur in plateletpheresis donors, potentially leading to unnecessary deferral.
- PTCP does not appear to affect the platelet component's yield or transfer to recipients.