Platelet Count
Label Mnemonic: PLT
Epic code: LAB301
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 85049
Specimen(s):
Whole Blood More information
Collection Medium:
or
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA) Light Blue top tube 2.7 mL (Na Citrate)
Minimum:
Full draw; 3.0 mL lavender top; (or fingerstick)
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
Routine turnaround time is approximately 1 hour.
Reference Range:
150-400 k/mm3

Critical value: <10 k/mm3 and >1000 k/mm3
Comments:
Please print, complete and submit the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) along with the Laboratory Requisition before shipping the specimen.

For patients who repeatedly have platelet clumps which preclude determination of an accurate platelet count, it is now possible to order a platelet count from a citrate tube. In many cases the EDTA in a lavender top tube causes the platelet clumping which does not occur in a blue top (citrate tube). Use order code PLTB to order the Platelet Count, Blue Top (Citrate) Tube. The Epic order code is LAB7882. This test is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This test cannot be done on a citrate tube drawn for coagulation testing.
Methodology:
Flow Cytometry
Instructions:
For patients who repeatedly have platelet clumps which preclude determination of an accurate platelet count, it is now possible to order a platelet count from a citrate tube. In many cases the EDTA in a lavender top tube causes the platelet clumping which does not occur in a blue top (citrate tube). Use order code PLTB to order the Platelet Count, Blue Top (Citrate) Tube. The Epic order code is LAB7882. This test is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This test cannot be done on a citrate tube drawn for coagulation testing.
Sample Processing:
Lavender tube is sent as whole blood, no processing necessary.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate, 2-8°C.
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
85049
 
See Additional Information:
Hematology Critical Lab Values