19/08/2026
✅ Quiz Answer: B
The extensive platelet clumping suggests that the low EDTA platelet count may be falsely reduced due to pseudothrombocytopenia.
Repeating the test using sodium citrate can help prevent EDTA-dependent aggregation and provide a more reliable result.
The citrate blood smear should also be checked to confirm that the clumping has resolved, and the result should be reported according to the laboratory’s validated procedure.
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It's quiz time with !
A patient’s EDTA sample gives a platelet count of 41 × 10⁹/L. The analyzer flags possible platelet clumps, and the blood smear shows aggregates. What is the most appropriate next step?
a) Report severe thrombocytopenia immediately.
b) Request a correctly collected citrate sample and analyze it promptly.
c) Issue a normal platelet result based on the smear estimate.
d) Ignore the clumps and repeat the EDTA count the next day.
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