A hematology analyzer may report a falsely elevated platelet count in a number of conditions.
Causes of pseudothrombocytosis involving an automated platelet count:
(1) cryoprotein (cold agglutinin, cryofibrinogen)
(2) other protein aggregates
(3) extreme microcytosis in thalassemia
(4) red blood cell fragments
(5) white blood cell fragments (tumor lysis syndrome, other)
(6) malaria
(7) hypertriglyceridemia
Examination of the blood smear can help to decide if the reported platelet count is excessive and can often identify the interfering cause.
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
