Spurious platelet count due to cryoglobulins in a patient with smoldering myeloma

Abstract

Use of automated hematology analyzers for routine blood count reporting has increased the reproducibility and accuracy of test results. However, at times, these instruments may generate spurious test results. Such results can result in inappropriate investigations or treatment decisions in patients. Spuriously normal or high platelet counts carry the risk of under diagnosis of the true thrombocytopenia with adverse clinical implications. We present a patient with smoldering myeloma with spurious platelet count due to cryoglobulins.

Keywords

• Automated
• cryoglobulins
• hematology analyzers
• platelet count
• spurious