Was the low sample done in the new tube your PCP suggested? If not, she is correct in suggesting it get drawn in that tube. Sometimes the chemical in the normal CBC tube interacts with the platelets and gives a falsely low number.
Should I be concerned with repeated abnormal CBC labs?For some background, Im a 35 year old female, relatively healthy, normal BMI, no major health events, Ive never smoked cigarettes, rarely drink, not taking any medications.During my most recent physical (3/23), my practitioner was slightly concerned about my CBC lab results from 2020. At that time, my platelets were low (81 103/uLtheir standard range is between 140-400 103/uL), but all other values were within normal range.After the physical, I had my labs drawn and everything was normal with the exception of my platelet count. The platelet count was inconclusive and there was a note stating that they were unable to give numerical value for the platelet count. My practitioner messaged me and said that she had never seen this before and advised me to have my labs redone. She also advised the nurse to collect my new sample in a sodium citrate tube.I had my labs redrawn last Friday (4/14), and as of yesterday I had not received my results. I typically get these results back in 1-2 days, so I decided to contact my physicians office. A nurse promptly replied and told me that my blood sample had spoiled before it made it to the main lab for processing, and that I needed to come back to redo the test.This morning a woke up to a message in my patient portal stating that the blood sample did not spoil, and hematology assumed that there was essentially an abnormality with the sample.Im going back to have my labs redrawn this morning.Im not quite sure what to make of all of this? Ive been trying not to dwell on it, but Im becoming concerned after all of these failed attempts to obtain my platelet count. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or guidance!