Cryoglobulins may be mistaken for platelets in an automated analyzer.
Clinical features:
(1) An elevated platelet count is reported by an automated analyzer.
(2) An estimate of the platelet count based on examination of the peripheral blood smear shows a significantly lower platelet count.
(3) Examination of the peripheral blood smear shows proteinaceous material.
(4) If the specimen is kept warm from the time of collection to the time of analysis, then the platelet count by the automated analyzer is lower and no proteinaceous material is seen.
(5) The proteinaceous material is identified as a cryoglobulin.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
