The routine measurement of platelet volume: a comparison of light-scattering and aperture-impedance technologies

The effect of dipotassium ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) on platelet count and mean volume (MPV) was evaluated using two routine measurement systems, a Coulter S Plus (Phase 1) (S+) and a Technicon H6000 (H6000). In normal subjects (n = 29) MPV increased by 17% during 39 h storage in EDTA when measured by the S+. In contrast MPV decreased by 22% when measured by the H6000. MPV differences of up to 40% were observed between the two systems. Concomitant platelet counts, in both systems, changed by less than 4%. A mathematical model of the variation of MPV with storage time was constructed, enabling experimental results to be extrapolated, with accuracy, to time zero (MPV0). The H6000 average MPV0 was significantly larger than the S+ average MPV0. Using the anticoagulant sodium citrate and prostaglandin E1 (NaCitrate-PGE1) there were no significant changes in MPV measured by the S+ during 7 h storage, although a linear decrease in platelet count was observed. A decrease in H6000 MPV was observed whether the blood was stored in EDTA or NaCitrate-PGE1. Methodology, anti-coagulation and storage time all influence MPV. Until these determinants are standardised the clinical value of MPV cannot be assessed.