title: The platelet estimate: is it being ignored?
abstract: A study was undertaken to determine whether the platelet estimate included in the routine CBC is being utilized as a guide to ordering quantitative platelet counts. Requisition slips and results were reviewed for a one-month period. The data showed that platelet estimates were not being used properly. In fact, much of the time the platelet count was being ordered with the CBC. The smear estimate and quantitative count agreed in 96% of specimens. The platelet count is a costly procedure and should be reserved for those occasions when the platelet estimate is abnormal.
mesh_terms: D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000191:economics*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count