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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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PLT

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2863    Geisinger Epic ID:  21195

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole blood


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Lavender-top (K2 EDTA) microcollection tube
Specimen required: 

3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tube collected MUST be properly filled to at least 1.5 mL (half the fill volume of the tube). 
Lavender-top (K2 EDTA) microcollection tube MUST be properly filled to at least 250 uL (half the fill volume of the tube).



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do NOT centrifuge.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (preferred) or refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Refrigerated: 72 hours. Room temperature: 24 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Clotted, frozen, hemolyzed, overfilled, underfilled, or centrifuged samples. Specimens beyond stability limits.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

140-400 K/uL


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
PLT <=20 and >=1000 K/uL.
Additional information: 

Patient with clumped platelets will result an estimate only (decreased, adequate, increased). For EDTA platelet clumping, order platelet count for patients with platelet clumping (LAB2859), an additional blue-top (sodium citrate) tube is required.

Potential related available add on testing includes: CBC with WBC differential (LAB1963), CBC (LAB1961), HGB (LAB2461), HCT (LAB2400) reticulocyte panel (LAB3006); immature platelet fraction (LAB2524) can only be added if sample is collected at testing laboratory.

See individual test requirements.


CPT code(s):  85049
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

PLT.


Methodology: 
Electronic resistance detection enhanced by hydrodynamic focusing and flow cytometry
Synonyms: 

PLT, Quantitative Platelet Count


Clinical significance: 

Both increases and decreases in the platelet count can point to abnormal conditions of excess bleeding or clotting. These bleeding or clotting disorders or bone marrow diseases require the determination of the number of platelets present and/or their ability to function correctly.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Mary Dhesi MD
Review Date:  01/08/2025

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