Platelet Count

Label Mnemonic:	PLT
Epic code:	LAB301
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Hematology
6240 RCP
356-3527

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood More information

Collection Medium:

	or
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)	or	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:

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.

This test is also performed in the Iowa River Landing (IRL) clinical laboratory (for specimens drawn at that site).

Methodology:

Flow Cytometry

CPT Code:

85049

See Additional Information:
Hematology Critical Lab Values