Correction Study Guide Graded A+

PLATELET CLUMPING {Ans: Platelet clumping can result in spurious low and widely fluctuating platelet counts on hematology instruments. Platelet clumping may occur because of poor collection technique resulting in the presence of micro clots, delays in mixing the blood and anticoagulant, the presence of platelet agglutinins, or EDTA-induced clumping. Check for platelet clumping by first checking for a clot. Document as internal comment in WAM. Then examine a peripheral smear on all bloods with the following instrument flags or results: a) platelet count less than 75 bill/L b) platelet clump(s) flag c) platelet clumps flag d) platelet delta check (decrease only) The WAM holds results. To correct for platelet clumping: 1. Examine Wright stained smear for clumping - particularly at the feathered and side (lateral) edges. 2. If platelet clumps are seen: a) Scan peripheral smear to determine if WBC estimate matches instrument count. b) If estimate does not match instrument count, add comment "WBC may be inaccurate due to WBC/PLT interference" to WBC comment field. c) Note approximate platelet estimate from stained smear (e.g., ADQ, INC, DEC); and d) In WAM Result Validation tab, remove platelet result by clicking on Platelet Result field, then clicking Delete. Double click