Do We Need Time Adjusted Mean Platelet Volume Measurements?

Abstract

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with various diseases. Several authors reported anticoagulant and time dependency. Therefore, standardized laboratory methods are essential. The aim of this study was to standardize the MPV measurement. Blood was collected in potassium-ethylenediaminetetra-acid (EDTA) and sodium-citrate tubes. First, MPV and platelet count were determined every half hour for 4 hours in 20 healthy volunteers. The same parameters were acquired from a second group of 100 healthy donors. We measured at the point of highest stability determined in the first step and aimed to determine a reference range. Citrate samples revealed significantly smaller MPV (7.0 fL ± 0.69 standard deviation [SD]) than EDTA (8.0 fL ± 0.8 SD). Platelets swell until 120 minutes in EDTA and until 60 minutes in citrate. Mean platelet count changed significantly in citrate. In the second group, no inverse correlation between MPV and platelet count was seen. A reference range was calculated (EDTA, 7.2-10.8 fL; citrate, 6.1-9.5 fL). Platelets stored in citrate are significantly smaller compared to those stored in EDTA. Timing is important when measuring platelet volume. Optimal measuring time should be 120 minutes after venipuncture. For this we depicted a reference range. Platelet count is most stable in EDTA. There was no inverse relation between MPV and platelet count.

Mean platelet volume analysis needs more standardization

“…After 120 minutes our results revealed a plateau and platelets did not swell significantly [6]. These results are comparable to the results of Bath et al Only the optimal time to measure MPV in EDTA differed.…”

Can mean platelet volume be a novel predictive marker in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease?

“…As it has been reported earlier in previous studies, MPV levels augment over time in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anti coagulated samples [4,5]. So, it would have been better, if the authors had made a specific statement about the amount of time that elapsed between taking the blood samples and measuring MPV since any problem and a delay in measurements may affect the MPV values [6].…”

Mean platelet volume is influenced by many inflammatory and cardiovascular disorders and cardiovascular risk factors

“…The complete blood count was performed using an automated hematology analyzer (CELL-DYN 3700, Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA). As mentioned by Varol et al, platelets swell after the blood samples are placed into EDTA tubes, causing increased MPV values [3]. Therefore, the blood samples are evaluated within 60 min of the blood sampling.…”