Abstract
Red cell fragmentation may result in erroneously high platelet counts by automated blood counters. Therefore, any abnormal platelet counts in a full blood count analysis should be re-evaluated either using blood film manual counting or with more accurate automated analysis options.
Highlights
IntroductionRed cell membrane in patients with haemoglobin H (Hb-H) disease and other haemoglobinopathies is rigid and red blood cells are fragmented during passage through narrow capillary beds, especially through the splenic sinusoids and the liver [1,2]
Red cell fragmentation may result in erroneously high platelet counts by automated blood counters
Red cell membrane in patients with haemoglobin H (Hb-H) disease and other haemoglobinopathies is rigid and red blood cells are fragmented during passage through narrow capillary beds, especially through the splenic sinusoids and the liver [1,2]
Summary
Red cell membrane in patients with haemoglobin H (Hb-H) disease and other haemoglobinopathies is rigid and red blood cells are fragmented during passage through narrow capillary beds, especially through the splenic sinusoids and the liver [1,2]. These fragments are frequently seen in peripheral blood films [2]. Automated blood cell counting systems, if not adequately calibrated may report these red cell fragments as platelets.
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