Spurious leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. A dual phenomenon caused by clumping of platelets in vitro
D. L. Solanki and B. C. Blackburn
Three patients with spurious thrombocytopenia caused by in vitro clumping
of platelets also had leukocytosis that was inappropriate for their
clinical state and could not be verified on examination of a blood smear.
Serial blood counts and analysis of the platelet and WBC histograms proved
the "leukocytosis" to be spurious and caused by platelet clumps erroneously
"recognized" by the counter as white blood cells. In three additional
patients, the WBC counts increased concomitantly with a decrease in their
platelet counts but remained within the normal range. Abnormal platelet and
WBC counts generated by automated cell counters must be verified by
examination of a blood smear before patients are subjected to unwarranted
investigations and therapy.
