Despite the ongoing development of automated hematology analyzers to optimize complete blood count results, platelet count still suffers from pre-analytical or analytical pitfalls, including EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia. Although most of these interferences are widely known, laboratory practices remain highly heterogeneous. In order to harmonize and standardize cellular hematology practices, the French-speaking Cellular Hematology Group (GFHC) wants to focus on interferences that could affect the platelet count and to detail the verification steps with minimal recommendations, taking into account the different technologies employed nowadays. The conclusions of the GFHC presented here met with a "strong professional agreement" and are explained with their rationale to define the course of actions, in case thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis is detected. They are proposed as minimum recommendations to be used by each specialist in laboratory medicine who remains free to use more restrictive guidelines based on the patient's condition.

The outcomes of acquired TTP treated with S/D plasma or qFFP seem similar and therefore both preparations can be used safely for PE in this indication. The faster response of S/D plasma observed in younger patients warrants confirmation in prospective studies.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare patient characteristics, outcomes, and treatment effects among regions in the COMMANDER-HF trial.BACKGROUND Globalization of cardiovascular trials increases generalizability. However, regional differences may also introduce heterogeneity in results.METHODS Incidence rates and interactions with treatment were recorded in pre-specified regions: Eastern Europe,

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In hospitalized patients older than 65 years old, the Cockcroft-Gault equation, in contrast to the MDRD equation, is able to predict the risk of higher anti-Xa levels.