Platelet estimation by peripheral smear: Reliable, rapid, cost-effective method to assess degree of thrombocytopenia

Aim: To compare the estimation of platelet count done by peripheral smear method and by automated cell counter. Background: Thrombocytopenia is associated with many diseases such as malaria, dengue, pregnancy-induced hypertension, etc., and is one of the critical parameters in patient management. The automated method is considered as the most reliable method. It is simple, fast, and most widely used, but the accurate count of platelets by automated cell counters is not available for all patients, especially in rural areas. In such settings, platelet estimation by peripheral smear is more feasible, than by automated cell counter in thrombocytopenia patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 92 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples of patients were received in the laboratory and platelet count was evaluated by two techniques: (1) Automated platelet count, (2) Assessment of platelet count on Leishman’s stained smear. Results: There is no significant ( P = 0.69) difference of values between our method of platelet estimation (0.94 ± 0.29 lacs/mm3) when compared with that of automated cell counter platelet value (0.91 lacs/mm3 ± 0.27). Conclusion: The method of platelet estimation by peripheral smear is useful as a rapid, cheap method to assess platelet count and can be done in rural hospital settings.