EDTA induced clumps and Blue top use

[Callie]

We were asked recently about how to validate blue tops for EDTA induced platelet clumping. Does anyone have a procedure on how they validated the blue tops or just putting in a disclaimer when used? We always review a slide when running and perform the calculation. 

[Alan Neal]

Why not use an alternative methodology, i.e. a non-EDTA anticoagulant e.g. S-Monovette^® ThromboExact tube*.

Else, if using citrate tube, then take CBC at same time, then compare corrected RBC / Hb value on CBC, with corrected RBC / Hb on citrate tube.

PS In my experience, many of the EDTA clumpers, also do the same in citrate - so blood film &/or analyzer flags important tools to ensure accurate platelet count provided.

 

*If using this technique, then CBC analyser already calibrated etc, just need to verify performance of this collection tube.