Pseudothrombocytopenia: early recognition avoids unnecessary intervention

Authors

  • Rajeshwari Narayanan Department of Pediatrics, 2Department of Pathology, Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Prahada Jagannathan Department of Pediatrics, 2Department of Pathology, Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Kala Kandhasamy Department of Pediatrics, 2Department of Pathology, Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20203973

Keywords:

EDTA, Platelet clumping, Pseudothrombocytopenia

Abstract

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) is the phenomenon of a spurious low platelet count due to EDTA induced aggregation of platelets. Failure to identify this can lead to unwarranted diagnostic testing, platelet transfusions and deferring emergency surgeries. An adolescent girl child was referred for acute febrile illness with thrombocytopenia. Peripheral smear examination of EDTA sample revealed platelet clumping. WBC and platelet histograms also supported the same. Repeat platelet counts in sodium citrate and heparin confirmed EDTA-PTCP.

References

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Published

2020-09-21

Issue

Section

Case Reports