Evaluation of Platelet counts and its Indices in Various Clinical Conditions using Automated Hematology Analyzer in a Tertiary care Hospital

Background and Aim: With wide use of Automated hematology analyzers, precise information on platelet indices viz. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Plateletcrit (PCT) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) are easily estimated. The aim was to correlate platelet indices in various clinical conditions. Materials and methods: It was a retrospective record based study for one month. Samples (n=501) were processed in ABX Pentra DF120 analyzer. To detect differences among various clinical conditions One-way ANNOVA test was used. Results: Of 501 samples, 386 (77%) showed normal counts, 57 (11.4%) with thrombocytopenia and 58 (11.6%) with thrombocytosis. Significant decrease in platelet count, PCT with increase in MPV, PDW was seen in cases of ITP and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with bronchiectasis, fever and alcoholic liver disease showed increased MPV, PDW while tuberculosis and sepsis cases showed low levels with normal platelet counts. Conclusion: Platelet indices varied significantly in different clinical conditions. It can be used as an additional marker of platelet activation and inflammation.