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Published on: February 14, 2017
[Anticoagulant-induced pseudo-thrombocytopenia: an important laboratory artifact]
A Radaelli1, M Reiner, B Balestra
1Medizinische Abteilung, Ospedale della Beata Vergine, Mendrisio.
Abstract:
In the medical unit of our regional hospital we observed eight cases of anticoagulant-related pseudothrombocytopenia within two years. Attention is drawn to this often misdiagnosed laboratory artefact. In every unexpected thrombocytopenia found by automatic cell-counting a simple blood smear should be studied especially for thrombocyte-aggregates and the automatic platelet-count should be repeated using another anticoagulant, before other investigations are undertaken.
Insights
Anticoagulant-related pseudothrombocytopenia is a common lab error. Reviewing blood smears for platelet aggregates and retesting with a different anticoagulant can prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Pseudothrombocytopenia is a common laboratory artifact.
- It can be mistaken for genuine thrombocytopenia, leading to unnecessary investigations.
- Anticoagulants are a frequent cause of this artifact.
