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Platelet Count, Sodium Citrate

Important Note

Sodium citrate samples for platelet counts have a three hour stability.  Platelet counts performed on samples greater than 3 hours old may be falsely decreased.

Additional Codes

LAB8461 - smart set that includes cbc and sodium citrate platelet count.  Two tubes need collected/submitted for this test - lavender and light blue

Performing Laboratory

MBMC Main Laboratory

Methodology

Quantitative Automated Hematology Analyzer

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: 2.7-mL, light-blue top (sodium citrate) and Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Specimen Minimum Volume: for the blue top tube - fill to frosted minimal fill line on the tube.

Collection Instructions: It is imperative that the blue top tube be completely filled to maintain the proper ratio of blood to anticoagulant.  Two tubes need collected/submitted for this test - lavender and light blue

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: within 4 hours

Reference Values

See Reference Ranges and Alerts in Special Instructions

Stability

Sodium citrate samples for platelet counts have a three hour stability.  Platelet counts performed on samples greater than 3 hours old may be falsely decreased.