title: [EDTA-dependent pseudo-thrombopenia].
abstract: Pseudothrombocytopenia, a term used to define a spuriously low platelet count produced by automatic cell counters, is most often due to platelet clumping induced by EDTA. In a period of two years we have observed 8 patients with a mean platelet count of 46,000/mm3 in the presence of EDTA. When samples of capillary blood (without EDTA) were tested, the mean platelet count was 202,000/mm3. A further patient had platelet adherence to neutrophils with normal platelet counts. This rare finding can also lead to pseudothrombocytopenia. In the event of unexpected thrombocytopenia a smear from EDTA-blood samples reveals the presence of platelet clumping or adherence to neutrophils. Counts of capillary blood samples reveal the true platelet number.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004492:Edetic Acid
vernacular_title: EDTA-abhängige Pseudothrombopenie.