Pseudothrombocytopenia: Automate-Blood Smear Confrontation

Abstract

The platelet count is performed systematically as part of complete blood count and in the evaluation of patients with hemorrhagic syndrome or those at risk of bleeding. The automatic counting of platelets by the latest generation hematology analyzers is more precise and less expensive than conventional manual methods. However, this reliable and fast technique can lead to counting errors which must not be ignored. The aim of this work is to focus on the different situations leading to false thrombocytopenia, mainly EDTA dependent or not EDTA dependent, to help biologists detect this trap and thus avoid unnecessary and costly diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients.