Anticoagulant Choices Affect the Mean Platelet Volume Measurement by Impedance.

Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a parameter that evaluates the platelet size. Clinical applications of MPV are limited because of its poor standardization in routine laboratories. This study analyzed the effect of anticoagulants on MPV measurements by impedance technology. Methods: Blood from 36 healthy volunteers was collected in vacuum tubes filled with K2EDTA and sodium citrate, analyzed immediately (basal) and at 1, 2, and 3 hours after venipuncture. Results: Comparisons between the anticoagulants demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05) after 1 hour of exposure with K2EDTA, causing a time-dependent increase on MPV measured. No significant changes in MPV were observed with sodium citrate with 3 hours of exposure (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The use of sodium citrate is highly indicated for assessment of MPV when the measurement time after blood collection is estimated to be more than 1 hour.