ABSTRACT
Objective:Four methods were used to count platelets to recommend suitable retest methods for abnormal blood platelet count.Methods:A total of 300 patients who received treatment in the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang during August-September 2020 were included in this study. They were divided into low-value, median-value, and high-value groups ( n = 100/group) according to blood platelet counts determined by the electrical impedance method. The consistency in blood platelet counting was analyzed between flow cytometry and electrical impedance method, Neubauer chamber method, and modified blood smear method. Results:There was no significant difference in blood platelet count between the electrical impedance method [low-value group: (86.1 ± 10.3) × 10 9/L, median-value group: (221.8 ± 41.8) × 10 9/L, high-value group: (441.3 ± 51.4) × 10 9/L, Neubauer chamber method [low-value group: (85.2 ± 10.1) × 10 9/L, median-value group: (219.3 ± 37.7) × 10 9/L, high-value group: (443.1 ± 54.5) × 10 9/L, modified blood smear technique [low-value group: (86.1 ± 10.1) × 10 9/L, median-value group: (218.1 ± 37.7) × 10 9/L, high-value group: (442.6 ± 53.3) × 10 9/L], and flow cytometry [low-value group: (85.4 ± 10.1) × 10 9/L, median-value group: (220.7 ± 42.0) × 10 9/L, high-value group: (440.9 ± 50.0) × 10 9/L] (all P > 0.05). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the electrical impedance method, Neubauer chamber method and modified blood smear method, and flow cytometry showed consistency in blood platelet count. Conclusion:The modified blood smear method showed consistency with the electrical impedance method, Neubauer chamber method, and flow cytometry in blood platelet counting. It does not require a special instrument and can help observe cell morphology for blood platelet counting. In addition, the blood smears are easy to be preserved. The modified blood smear technique should be the first choice for re-checking blood platelet counts.