PMC4012027_01
Typical histograms of pseudothrombocytopenia in an EDTA sample (right) in contrast to normal histograms of a citrated (CPT) sample of the same patient (left). Aggregated platelets are plotted as a serrated ("saw-teeth") curve in the PLT histogram. In the WBC histogram, the largest aggregates are displayed as a peculiar peak on the left side (arrowhead).
1472-6890-14-19-1.jpg
PMC4012027_01_1472-6890-14-19-1.jpg
F1
The aggregated platelets lead to an serrated ("saw-teeth") curve of the platelet histogram (Figure 1) and the largest platelet aggregates are plotted as a peculiar peak on the left side of the WBC histogram (Figure 1; arrowhead).
Blood smear of an EDTA sample showing activated lymphocytes and platelet aggregates. Patient was referred with suspected acute leukemia because lymphocytes were misinterpreted as blasts and thrombocytopenia was not recognised as EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia.
1472-6890-14-19-2.jpg
PMC4012027_01_1472-6890-14-19-2.jpg
F2
Visual inspection of the blood smear revealed activated lymphocytes and platelet aggregates (Figure 2).