Platelet count correlation: automated versus manual on peripheral smear

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Original Article

Author Details : Aashna , Deepti Mahajan*, Kuldeep K. Koul, Aditya Jandial

Volume : 6, Issue : 3, Year : 2019

Article Page : 381-387

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijpo.2019.074

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Abstract

The assessment of platelet count is essential in clinical practice. The traditional method of estimating platelet counts from peripheral blood smears is a fairly accurate method and provides adequate quality assurance. Widespread use of automated analyzers based on impedance technology has resulted in an unprecedented improvement in accuracy and allows measurement of additional indices such as Plateletcrit (PCT), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW). However, both the methods have certain limitations.
Platelet counts were estimated on a 5-part Differential Automated Hematology Analyzer and manually on Leishman stained peripheral blood smears in 200 indoor patients admitted in Government Medical College Jammu to detect the correlation between the two. Estimation of MPV and PDW was done followed by a comparison with automated platelet counts.
The Mean Platelet Count, of the cases under study, given by the automated analyzer was significantly lower than the Mean Platelet Count estimated by manual method (P < 0>
However, the platelet count assessed by automated analyzer showed a strong correlation with manual platelet count (correlation coefficient, r = 0.857).
In thrombocytopenic patients, the platelet count assessed by automated analyzer, showed an inverse relation with Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW).
It was concluded that automated hematology analyzer is crucial for quick and accurate complete blood count evaluation but all blood samples that show abnormal results or low platelet counts on analyzers should be confirmed by manual count on peripheral smear. The platelet indices like Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) can point to the underlying pathology especially in cases of thrombocytopenia.

Keywords: Platelet count, Automated haematology analyzer, Manual platelet count, MPV, Thrombocytopenia.

How to cite : Aashna, Mahajan D, Koul K K, Jandial A, Platelet count correlation: automated versus manual on peripheral smear. Indian J Pathol Oncol 2019;6(3):381-387

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