Platelet counting

Abstract

Platelet counting is a daily basic hematological analysis of crucial interest in many clinical situations. Historical manual techniques (phase-contrast microscopy) have been replaced by automated techniques (impedance or optical analyzers) more rapid and precise. More recently, flow cytometry techniques using labeled monoclonal antibodies have been proposed as reference techniques. Nevertheless, pre-analytical and analytical variables should be respected to obtain reliable results and avoid validation pitfalls.