Discrepancy between impedance and immunofluorescence platelet counting has implications for clinical decision making in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura.
This study investigated whether differences occur between the impedance and immunofluorescence methods for platelet quantification in idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). Immunofluorescence gave a platelet count >50% higher than the impedance test in 9/35 (26%) patients, of which 4/35 (11%) were >100% higher. The clinical severity of thrombocytopenia was changed as a result of the immunofluorescence test in 14/35 (40%) patients. Neither mean platelet volume nor platelet distribution width predicted impedance/immunofluorescence method discrepancy. It is suggested that immunofluorescence platelet counts should be performed on all ITP patients when the implementation of a therapeutic or diagnostic intervention is being considered.
Bowles
Kristian M
KM
Department of Haematology, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Bloxham
David M
DM
Perry
David J
DJ
Baglin
Trevor P
TP
D001777:Blood Coagulation; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000379:methods*; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy