Manual Platelet Counting: A Guide For Accuracy

Manual platelet count involves using a microscope and a hemocytometer to manually count platelets in a blood sample. This technique is typically used when a rapid or inexpensive method is required, or when automated methods are unavailable. Manual platelet counting requires careful sample preparation and counting skills to ensure accurate results. Platelet Counting: A Tale…

Platelet Count And Aspirin: Managing Blood Clot Risk

Platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, crucial for clotting. Aspirin, an antiplatelet agent, inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots. Understanding the relationship between platelet count and aspirin is essential. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) can lead to excessive bleeding, while thrombocytosis (high platelet count) increases the risk of clots….

Immature Platelet Count: Indicator Of Platelet Health

Immature platelet fraction absolute (IPFA) is a hematological parameter that measures the absolute count of immature platelets in a blood sample. Immature platelets, also known as reticulated platelets, are newly formed platelets released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. IPFA is used to assess the rate of platelet production in the bone marrow and…

Pediatric Thrombocytosis: Causes And Types

Pediatric high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, occurs when a child’s body produces excessive platelets. This can be categorized as primary thrombocytosis, where the body overproduces platelets due to underlying conditions like essential thrombocythemia or familial thrombocytosis, or as secondary thrombocytosis, which is a response to external factors such as infections, inflammation, or medications. Primary Thrombocytosis…

Elevated Platelet Counts In Newborns: Causes And Concerns

Elevated platelet counts in newborns are commonly associated with conditions involving bone marrow or immune system dysfunction. These conditions include genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome, immune disorders such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and bone marrow failure syndromes like Fanconi anemia. They are also linked to increased bleeding or thrombosis risk factors such as transfusions…

Neonatal Thrombocytosis: Causes And Complications

Neonatal thrombocytosis, a condition of elevated platelet count in newborns, can have various etiologies, including primary thrombocytosis, reactive thrombocytosis due to infection or hemorrhage, myeloproliferative disorders, congenital syndromes, maternal factors, and medications. This condition carries potential complications, such as hypercoagulability and thrombosis, increasing the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Etiology of Neonatal Thrombocytosis Explain…

Carotid Endarterectomy Complications: Neurological, Hemorrhagic, Vascular

Carotid endarterectomy complications include neurological (stroke, TIA, aphasia, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, dysarthria, diplopia, nystagmus), hemorrhagic (hematomas), and vascular (embolism, thrombosis, restenosis) issues. Neurological complications arise from cerebral ischemia or injury, hemorrhagic complications from bleeding, and vascular complications from disrupted blood flow. Treatments vary based on complication type and severity. Neurological Complications: A Guide to the Brain’s…

Supraclinoid Ica Aneurysms: Classification And Anatomy

The supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) is a portion of the ICA located above the clinoid process of the sphenoid bone, which is a bony landmark separating the anterior and middle cranial fossae. Supraclinoid ICA aneurysms are classified based on their anatomical location in relation to the clinoid process, with either a sidewall, bifurcation, or…

Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysms: Causes, Symptoms, And Diagnosis

Carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, resulting from carotid artery dissection, arises due to intimal tear and adventitial damage, allowing blood to extravasate and form a false lumen. Progressive thrombus formation within the pseudoaneurysm can embolize, causing symptoms like neck pain, hoarseness, and neurologic deficits. Ultrasound is commonly used for diagnosis, but CTA or MRA may be needed…

Carotid Artery Calcification: Stroke Risk

Carotid artery calcification occurs when calcium deposits accumulate within the plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, the main arteries supplying blood to the brain. This hardening process can lead to narrowing of the arteries and restricted blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke. Calcification of carotid artery plaque can be detected through imaging techniques like…

Carotid Dissection Ultrasound: Visualizing Neck Arteries

Carotid dissection ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging technique, provides detailed information about the carotid artery in the neck. It uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the artery, detecting any abnormalities such as tears (dissections), blockages, or narrowing. This ultrasound helps in evaluating blood flow, examining the artery wall thickness, and identifying any irregularities that may indicate…