Platelet Count (part of FBC)
Clinical Background:
Platelets are a key cell in the Haemostatic system and adequate numbers of functional platelets are required for normal Haemostasis. The platelet count is used as part of a screen when easy bruisin...
Platelets are a key cell in the Haemostatic system and adequate numbers of functional platelets are required for normal Haemostasis. The platelet count is used as part of a screen when easy bruising/bleeding is suspected or where numbers may be increased leading to thrombotic risk. It may also be used to follow the progress of therapies which may reduce numbers (chemotherapy). Platelet numbers may be reduced in a number of disease states including Leukaemia, ITP, TTP and other bone marrow failures. The platelet count does not measure platelet function
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haematology
Haematology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Purple - EDTA
Purple - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Light Pink - EDTA
Light Pink - EDTA
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1.0mL
1.0mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5mL
0.5mL
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Special Requirement:
Ensure adequate mixing
Ensure adequate mixing
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Sample Stability:
24 hrs
24 hrs
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Transport Requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
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Freq Analysis:
Continuous
Continuous
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
UK NEQAS Haematology
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Reference Ranges:
150 - 450 x 10'9/L
150 - 450 x 10'9/L
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Other Info:
As part of a full blood count.
As part of a full blood count.
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Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Test:
No
No
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net