Platelet volume: laboratory measurement and clinical application

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Modern cell analyzers provide platelet indices, yet their clinical application is limited.
• Difficulties in laboratory measurement hinder the routine use of platelet indices by clinicians.
• Mean platelet volume (MPV) is sensitive to pre-analytical variables like time, method, anticoagulant, and temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of standardized laboratory methodology for reproducible MPV measurements.
• To underscore the clinical utility of MPV assessment when pre-analytical factors are controlled.
• To emphasize the need for understanding MPV pathophysiology and its relationship with platelet count for clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Review of factors influencing laboratory measurement of mean platelet volume.
• Analysis of the impact of pre-analytical variables on MPV reproducibility.
• Discussion of the relationship between MPV and platelet count.

Main Results:

• Reproducible MPV measurements depend on standardized laboratory methodology.
• Controlled pre-analysis factors allow demonstration of MPV alterations in disease states.
• MPV assessment is valuable for patient diagnosis and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of laboratory methods is crucial for reliable MPV measurement.
• Controlled MPV analysis aids in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
• Understanding MPV pathophysiology and its inverse relationship with platelet count is essential for clinical use.