EDTA-associated pseudothrombocytopenia: definition and real-world occurrence

To better characterize occurrence and extent of anticoagulant-associated pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) in the daily routine of a high-throughput clinical laboratory in order to draw conclusions on a more precise definition of this phenomenon.Concomitant platelet counts in both EDTA and citrate whole blood (WB) performed in our laboratory over a period of four years and 9 months, were analyzed, calculating the correlation, as well as the absolute difference in the results obtained from both materials, cross-referencing these measures with automated flags for platelet aggregates and the results of the visual examination for platelet aggregates of peripheral blood smears.Platelet counts in both materials were strongly correlated (ρ=0.86; p