Related Experiment Videos
Reticulocytes and reticulated platelets: simultaneous measurement in whole blood by flow cytometry
S Rapi1, A Ermini, L Bartolini
1Laboratory Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Careggi, Florence, Italy.
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|June 25, 1998
Summary
Reticulated platelet counts, a measure of thrombopoiesis, can be reliably assessed using standard flow cytometry. This method shows good correlation with dedicated instruments, making it accessible for clinical labs studying platelet disorders.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Flow Cytometry
Background:
- Reticulated platelets, RNA-rich circulating cells, reflect thrombopoiesis.
- Reticulated platelet counts may aid in studying thrombocytopenic disorders.
- Flow cytometry with nucleic acid stains can analyze reticulated cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simultaneously evaluate reticulated red blood cells and platelets using standard flow cytometry.
- To correlate results from standard flow cytometry with a dedicated cytometer for reticulated cell analysis.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous analysis of reticulated elements in whole blood using a standard flow cytometer.
- Application of linear amplification for reticulocyte counts and logarithmic amplification for reticulated platelets.
- Utilized specific nucleic acid stains (Thiazole Orange, Auramine-O) for analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved a strong correlation (r² = 0.9825) for reticulocyte counts between standard and dedicated methods.
- Demonstrated a good correlation (r² = 0.8717) for reticulated platelet counts.
- Validated the use of standard flow cytometry for reticulated platelet enumeration.
Conclusions:
- Standard flow cytometry can be effectively used for simultaneous reticulated red blood cell and platelet evaluation.
- Reticulated platelet counting via standard flow cytometry is easily implementable in routine clinical laboratories.
- This approach offers a valuable tool for assessing thrombopoiesis and diagnosing platelet disorders.