l
Platelet Satellitism 2
#00065689
Author: Charlotte Pattison
Category: Laboratory Hematology > Basic cell morphology > Morphologic variants of platelets (cross-reference with specific diagnoses when appropriate > Platelet aggregates and satellitosis
Published Date: 05/28/2025
Category: Laboratory Hematology > Basic cell morphology > Morphologic variants of platelets (cross-reference with specific diagnoses when appropriate > Platelet aggregates and satellitosis
Published Date: 05/28/2025
Platelet satellitism, a rare, in vitro phenomenon seen only in blood smears from samples taken into EDTA tubes, whereby the platelets aggregate to the neutrophils and cause the platalet count to be falsely low. It is a similar phenomenon to platelet clumping. There is no patient consequence of this however it is recommended a genuine platelet count is sought after by performing a citrated platelet count instead.
This image is from a 37yo female who presented in ED with pyelonephritis. Blood FBC/ film otherwise normal.
