Platelet and reticulocyte new parameters: why and how to use them?☆

he evolution of automation in hematology has enabled reater reliability and accuracy in the results of the complete lood count (CBC) and the implementation of new technoloies has streamlined the laboratory routine, optimizing the ime to release tests. Moreover, new laboratory parameters ave been recognized as auxiliaries to recognize some clinical onditions. From the first platelet count performed in a chamber develped by Neubauer in 19241 to the present day, there have been ncreasing improvements in the technology used to identify nd quantify platelets. The new generation of hematology nalyzers are more accurate to identify cells, providing relibility in the measurement of platelets particularly in cases of evere thrombocytopenia. In addition, the use of fluorescent arkers specific for platelets allows the detection of possible nterference, for example by decreasing the possibility of cases f false thrombocytosis.2 Aspects related to the identification of immature platelets, ermed reticulated platelets (RP), date back to 1969. Nucleic cid dyes allowed the detection of younger platelets using n optical microscopy.3 Thiazole orange dye flow cytometry nd the strategy of the ‘gate’ were introduced later for idenifying RP.4,5 More recently some hematologic analyzers have ade it possible to detect newly-released immature platelets. he main clinical applicability of the immature platelet fracion (IPF) is the evaluation of thrombopoietic activity in the one marrow. An elevated number of immature circulatng platelets is observed in thrombocytopenia of peripheral rigin caused by excessive consumption of platelets, while