Lab Test

Platelet Count

PLT

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5156, Antrim: 20310

Department

Hematology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One 4.0 mL Lavender-top K2EDTA tube. (Minimum: 2.0 mL)
Also acceptable: One Lavender-top K2EDTA Microtainer®. (Minimum: 300 mcL)
See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer® collection. 

Note: For known platelet clumper patients, collect one light blue top 3.2% sodium citrate tube (ensure tube is full) and one 4.0 mL lavender-top K2EDTA tube (minimum: 2.0 mL). Label both tubes with the order requested and rubber band the two tubes together. Place a handwritten note with the samples stating “Previous platelet clumper. Deliver both tubes to the hematology lab.”

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport. Room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) is acceptable for a maximum of 8 hours.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Whole blood or capillary blood, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL whole blood or 300 mcL capillary blood)

Rejection Criteria

  • Specimens containing clots.
  • Insufficient volume.
  • Frozen specimens.
  • Centrifuged specimens. 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Canton Laboratory
Dearborn Hematology Laboratory
Farmington Hills Hematology Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Hematology Laboratory
Lenox Laboratory
Livonia Laboratory
Royal Oak Hematology Laboratory
Taylor Hematology Laboratory
Trenton Hematology Laboratory
Troy Hematology Laboratory
Wayne Hematology Bank

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
STAT results available in 30 minutes; 60 minutes if further verification is necessary.
Routine results available in 90 minutes, unless further verification is necessary.

Reference Range

Female: 150-400 bill/L.
Male: 150-400 bill/L.
Pediatric (1 day – 17 years): 150-450 bill/L.

Test Methodology

SYSMEX XN Series.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the evaluation, diagnosis and follow-up of bleeding disorders, purpura/petechiae, drug induced thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulation, leukemia, and chemotherapeutic management of malignant disease.

CPT Codes

85049

Contacts

Last Updated

10/3/2023

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