Perform and Interpret a Peripheral Blood Smear

Platelet Assessment: Count, Morphology, and Significance

A peripheral blood smear is a crucial diagnostic tool in pediatric hematology, providing essential insights into platelet count, morphology, and significance in various clinical conditions.

Platelet Count

Platelets play a vital role in hemostasis and wound healing. A platelet count is typically assessed manually through a blood smear or automated via a hematology analyzer.

• Normal range: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood
• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count, often seen in infections, leukemia, and immune disorders
• Thrombocytosis: Elevated platelet count, observed in inflammatory diseases and iron deficiency

Platelet Morphology

Examining platelet morphology on a blood smear is critical for diagnosing hematological disorders.

• Size variations: Large platelets (suggesting increased production) or small platelets (indicating dysfunction)
• Shape abnormalities: Fragmented or irregularly shaped platelets in conditions like myelofibrosis
• Clumping: Presence of platelet aggregates, often seen in pseudothrombocytopenia

Clinical Significance

Platelet abnormalities can indicate various pediatric disorders:

• Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) – Characterized by excessive platelet destruction
• Congenital platelet function disorders – Affecting adhesion and aggregation
• Bone marrow disorders – Altering platelet production and morphology

Peripheral blood smear remains an invaluable investigation for assessing platelet-related pathologies in pediatric patients.