Pseudo thrombocytopenia due to platelet clumps- can amikacin rectify?

Abstract

Background: Pseudo thrombocytopenia is a laboratory artifact characterized by spuriously low platelet counts resulting from EDTA-induced platelet clumping, which may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate clinical management. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of amikacin to resolve platelet clumping and improve the accuracy of platelet counts in cases of EDTA-dependent pseudo thrombocytopenia. Materials and Methods: Blood samples demonstrating low automated platelet counts with platelet aggregates on peripheral smear examination were included. Platelet counts were measured before and after the addition of amikacin to EDTA-anticoagulated samples, and the degree of platelet clumping and corrected platelet counts were assessed. Results: There is no significant difference in platelet aggregation with amikacin and produced significantly higher platelet counts, closely reflecting the actual platelet values in few cases. Conclusion: Amikacin is not useful in all cases of pseudo thrombocytopenia. Peripheral smear examination is mandatory in all cases of thrombocytopenia to exclude pseudo thrombocytopenia.

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