A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR ELETRONIC COUNTING AND SIZING PLATELETS

Abstract

Platelet sizing is a newly explored method for distinguishing thrombocytopenin due to increased peripheral destruction from that due to decreased production. We have devised a method for simultaneously counting and sizing platelets on a fingerstick specimen using the Electrozone electronic counter. 0.02 ml of blood is collected into a capillary tube. A layer of Stractan II is added and the tube is spun in a micro-capillary centrifuge. A distinct platelet layer then lies above the Stractan. The tube is cut and the platelet layer is diluted and passed through the electronic counter using a 48μ aperture. Platelet number is determined by the counter, while size distributions are performed by a multichannel particle analyser interfaced with a logarithmic amplifier. Platelet vields are 93% by comparison to manual counts, thus electronic counts/0.93 show a very close relationship to manual counts (r=0.99). Platelet volumes in normal adults range from 1.18μ³ to 49.6μ³ with a mean volume of 7.03μ³. Female subjects had significantly larger platelets than male suhiects(p<0.05). A random relationship existed between platelet size and number. Mean platelet volume in full term infants was 5.90μ³ and in premature infants 6.34μ³. No relationship was found between gestational age or birth weight and platelet size. This method represents a simple and accurate method for simultaneous platelet counting and sizing and the entire procedure can be done in less than 6 minutes.

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