EDTA dependent pseudothrombocytopenia-cause and incidence

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:1. To find out the incidence of EDTA dependent pseudothrombocytopenia(PTCP) 2. To confirm EDTA dependent pseudothrombocytopaenia(PTCP) by counting the platelets using anticoagulants other than EDTA (citrate and heparin) Introduction: Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) meaning there by a spuriously low platelet count. EDTA induced clumping of platelets is one of the important cause of pseudothrombocytopaenia. Materials and MethodInclusion criteria: All 3000 blood samples received during study period in hematology laboratory of BVDU Medical college sangli for complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients with known cause of thrombocytopenia were excluded. 2. Thrombocytopenia due to technical errors. Result: The incidence of EDTA Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia was 0.13%. Conclusion:The incidence of EDTA dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia is quite low. Every sample with a low platelet count with EDTA as anticoagulant and/or presence of platelet clumps on the peripheral blood smear, and after ruling out other causes of pseudothrombocytopenia, must be collected again in a vaccutainer containing different anticoagulant (heparin and citrate). If the platelet count rises therein, it should be considered as a case of EDTA dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia.