| Abstrakt: |
Introduction: Automated haematology analyzers are commonly used for accurate and precise platelet estimation. Still false low or false high results are common with flagging on analyzers which needs to be reviewed. So commonly we perform peripheral blood smear (PBS) evaluation for cross checking the platelet count. For estimation of total platelet count on peripheral blood smear a multiplication factor is required. Different laboratories use different multiplication factors including 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 for platelet count estimation on peripheral smear. Methods: This was an observational study included total 300 cases including 100 cases each for low, normal and high platelet counts estimated by Sysmex XN 3100 haematology 6 part analysers using K3 ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid blood samples. Peripheral smears were prepared. After blinding of analyser results, manual peripheral smear examination was carried out to calculate average number of platelets for per oil immersion field (OIF). Platelet counts were derived by multiplying average number of platelets for per OIF by multiplication factors of 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. Comparison of these values was done with actual automated analysers counts. Results: We found multiplication factor of 20,000 as most suitable which correlated well with actual platelet count. Conclusion: A standard multiplication factor determination is necessary for accurate manual platelet count on peripheral blood smear examination. This method is easy, simple, less time consuming and can be used in platelet count discrepancies, mandatory reviews and in resource poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
