Estimation of Platelet Counts and Other Hematological Parameters in Pseudothrombocytopenia Using Alternative Anticoagulant: Magnesium Sulfate

The platelet count, mean platelet volume, and other hematological parameters were compared in blood samples anticoagulated with MgSO(4) and EDTA. A total of 15 samples were taken, and the platelet counts were observed to be significantly high in MgSO(4)-anticoagulated blood samples ranging from 53 × 10(3) to 499 × 10(3)/µL, whereas in EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples, the counts ranged from 10 × 10(3) to 353 × 10(3)/µL. This increased platelet count was also statistically significant with the P value being .005. The morphology of red blood cells and white blood cells in Leishman-stained smears from MgSO(4)-anticoagulated blood was below average. In conclusion, MgSO(4) can be used as an alternative anticoagulant only to estimate the platelet counts in EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia.