Platelet indices
Last updated: Saturday, 01, May, 2004
| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in EDTA tube. 2 mL blood in special paediatric EDTA. |
| Method | Part of FBC, calculated by many automated instruments: mean platelet volume (MPV); platelet distribution width (PDW); and plateletcrit (PCT). |
| Reference Interval | Varies with instrument - consult pathologist. |
| Application | Quantitative assessment of platelet size and volume is of limited value in distinguishing between reactive thrombocytosis and essential thrombocythaemia. |
| Interpretation | Quantitative assessment of the degree of variation in platelet size and volume. |
| Reference | Van der Lelie J and Von dem Borne AEG. J Clin Pathol 1986; 39: 129-133. |