A microtainer EDTA sample obtained during a fingerstick puncture yields a platelet count of 178 x 10^9/L. In the erythrocyte monolayer of the stained peripheral blood smear, an average of nine platelets per field is seen at 1000x magnification. Based on these data, you should

A microtainer EDTA sample obtained during a fingerstick puncture yields a platelet count of 178 x 10^9/L. In the erythrocyte monolayer of the stained peripheral blood smear, an average of nine platelets per field is seen at 1000x magnification. Based on these data, you should

• A. Report the results because the platelet count and platelet estimate correlate
• B. Recollect a specimen for a repeat platelet count because the platelet count and estimate do not correlate
• C. Examine the periphery of the blood smear for clumping because the platelet count and estimate do not correlate
• D. Rerun the platelet count on the available specimen to confirm the results

Answer: (A)

Platelet estimates on a stained smear are used to validate automated platelet counts. By examining an erythrocyte monolayer and averaging the platelets seen per high-power field, labs apply a conversion (commonly multiplying the average per field by about 20) to approximate platelets per microliter. An average of nine platelets per field translates to roughly 180 x 10^9/L. This lines up closely with the automated count of 178 x 10^9/L, showing concordance between the two methods. Because the smear estimate agrees with the automated result, there’s no indication of clumping or a smear-quality issue, and you should report the results. If there were a mismatch, you’d investigate further (e.g., look for clumping, repeat the count, ensure a good peripheral smear), but that isn’t warranted here.

Platelet estimates on a stained smear are used to validate automated platelet counts. By examining an erythrocyte monolayer and averaging the platelets seen per high-power field, labs apply a conversion (commonly multiplying the average per field by about 20) to approximate platelets per microliter. An average of nine platelets per field translates to roughly 180 x 10^9/L. This lines up closely with the automated count of 178 x 10^9/L, showing concordance between the two methods. Because the smear estimate agrees with the automated result, there’s no indication of clumping or a smear-quality issue, and you should report the results. If there were a mismatch, you’d investigate further (e.g., look for clumping, repeat the count, ensure a good peripheral smear), but that isn’t warranted here.