Laboratory ProceduresDifficulty 3/5
An automated analyser reports severe thrombocytopenia in a cat with no bleeding signs. What should be done before the result is reported?
- ARepeat the sample in a citrate tube to confirm the platelet count
- BExamine a blood film to estimate platelets and check for clumping
- CReport the result immediately, since analysers are more precise
- DRecollect from a different vein using a larger-gauge needle
Show answer and rationale
Correct: B. Feline platelets clump readily, which causes falsely low automated counts. A film estimate confirms or refutes the count before any result is reported.
- A — Citrate is for coagulation testing and does not resolve the question.
- C — Analysers systematically undercount clumped feline platelets.
- D — Recollection may be needed later but the film check comes first.