Reduction of the platelet review rate using the two-dimensional platelet method

Accurate platelet enumeration is critical for optimal treatment of patients with platelet and bleeding disorders. leukemias, and other neoplasias. The majority, of automated hematology analyzers count platelets by size differ entiation alone which ma: result in falsely elevated platelet counts for sa mples containing interfering particles such as RBC fragments, microcytes, a nd cell debris. Most analyzers flag questionable platelet counts, necessita ting review of results with confirmation by an alternative method, thus inc reasing the cost of performing platelet counts and delaying results. We studied the effect of a new platelet analysis method, based on measureme nt of size and refractive index, on the laboratory?, review rate for platel et counting. We demonstrated that this method yields higher accuracy for pl atelet counts in samples with interferences, especially for platelet counts less than 50 x 10(3)/muL (< 50 x 10(9)/L). As a result of the 2-dimensiona l analysis, the review rate for platelet counts was reduced by 65% in our i nstitution, resulting in substantial savings.