The importance of timely diagnosis of edta-assisted pseudothrombocytopenia in clinical practice

Abstract

ABCSTRACT. EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is the laboratory phenomenon of a spurious low platelet count which appears in vitro while using EDTA as anticoagulant. The problem of EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia has significant relevance due to the widespread using of automated hematology analyzers which EDTA stabilized blood is most recommended for. The mechanism of this phenomenon is based on the production of the specific antibodies causing the platelet aggregation in the presence of EDTA. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2EDTA or K3EDTA) is a white crystalline powder. It is widely used in laboratory practice owing to several advantages such as high solubility, lack of cell structure alteration and blood dilution. Early determination of the patients with EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia is an important diagnostic criterion necessary to exclude blood diseases and prevent errors in treatment.