Platelet Count
Label Mnemonic: PLT
Epic code: LAB301
Downtime form: A-1a 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) 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