Ethylene Diamine Tetra-Acetic Acid (EDTA) Induced Pseudothrombocytopenia, (A Case Report.)

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia caused by E.D.T.A can cause misdiagnosis of patients’ illness and may lead to inappropriate treatment if the problem is not recognized. We present this case of a male patient with spuriously low platelet count caused by EDTA. It is a phenomenon that results in low platelet count recorded by auto-analysers on blood collected in EDTA bottles. This phenomenon occurs as a result of anti-bodies that cause platelet aggregation in blood anti-coagulated with EDTA. These are anti-bodies in the IgM or IgG class reacting with the antigenic binding site of the gp II b glycoprotein.

Keywords: Pseudothrombocytopenia, EDTA, Ethylene Diamine tetra-acetic Acid