Citrated Platelet Count

Description: 
A Citrated Platelet count will be suggested whenever Platelet clumping is observed on the FBC.
Platelet clumping may occur in-vitro due to EDTA-dependant antibodies or due to platelet activation caused by traumatic venipuncture.
Synonyms or keywords: 
CPLT
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Whole Blood collected in Citrate bottle. (Blue Top)
4 mL or 2 mL on paediatric bottles;
Always ensure that the bottle is filled up to the mark.
Turnaround time: 
Routine: 1 day; Urgent: Contact the Laboratory.
Special sample instructions: 

Interfering factors:

  • Insufficient volume (ensure bottle is filled up to the mark);
  • Aged sample;
  • Clotted sample;
  • Giant Platelets;

Please note that the laboratory may be unable to provide results whenever any of these factors interfere with the technical validity of the results; Report will be issued with an appropriate comment.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Keep at room temperature; Do not expose to extreme temperatures; Sample stability: samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible, never after 24h post collection.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 16/08/2021