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Platelet Satellitism

Author: Charlotte Pattison, 05/28/2025
Category: Laboratory Hematology > Basics of automated cell counts   > Causes of inaccurate platelet counts > Falsely low platelet counts > Platelet satellitosis  
Published Date: 09/10/2025

Platelet Satellitism, an in vitro and rare phenomenon seen only in EDTA blood films. The platelets adhere to the neutrophils - cause largely unknown. The only clinical significance of this phenomenon is that the FBC produces a falsely low platelet count; it is similar to platelet clumping in that a genuine platelet count is sought after through citrated platelet counting. 
This image was taken at x100 on a 37-year-old female who came into a/e with pyelonephritis. Film otherwise normal. 

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