Hematology Case Study - Thrombocytopenia with Elevated IPF

Download PDF

This patient presents with a mild thrombocytopenia. The XN offers two platelet counting methods: impedance (PLT-I) and fluorescence (PLT-F). The impedance platelet measurement is reliable and accurate in the majority of patients. However, as impedance measures only the change in electrical resistance reflecting the cell size, interfering substances such as WBC or RBC fragments can affect the measurement. Reflexing the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) can provide a more accurate platelet count in cases such as extreme thrombocytopenia or if an interfering condition is present affecting the PLT-I result. The fluorescent stain, Fluorocell™ PLT, binds to platelet organelles and the counting time is extended for increased precision. Because the PLT count was obtained from the PLT-F channel, the “&F” notation is next to the result.

The PLT-F channel also measures an Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF), one of Sysmex’s advanced parameters. This patient has an elevated IPF of 55.2% which indicates platelet production in the bone marrow and may aid the clinician in assessing the cause of thrombopoiesis in this patient.

Keep reading: Download PDF