Platelet satellitism is a phenomenon characterized by platelets adhering to the surface of which cells?

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Multiple Choice

Platelet satellitism is a phenomenon characterized by platelets adhering to the surface of which cells?

Platelet satellitism describes platelets sticking to the surface of neutrophils on a peripheral blood smear, especially in samples treated with EDTA. This phenomenon explains why platelets appear to surround neutrophils rather than interacting with red cells or other cell types. The adherence is due to antibodies that bridge platelets to neutrophil membranes in the presence of EDTA, and it can cause spuriously low automated platelet counts because platelets are counted around neutrophils rather than as individual cells. Recognition on the smear is seeing small platelets clustered around the neutrophil cytoplasm; using a different anticoagulant (like citrate or heparin) or rechecking the smear can reduce or resolve the appearance. This is not about hemolysis, neutrophil agglutination, or bacterial contamination.

Platelet satellitism describes platelets sticking to the surface of neutrophils on a peripheral blood smear, especially in samples treated with EDTA. This phenomenon explains why platelets appear to surround neutrophils rather than interacting with red cells or other cell types. The adherence is due to antibodies that bridge platelets to neutrophil membranes in the presence of EDTA, and it can cause spuriously low automated platelet counts because platelets are counted around neutrophils rather than as individual cells. Recognition on the smear is seeing small platelets clustered around the neutrophil cytoplasm; using a different anticoagulant (like citrate or heparin) or rechecking the smear can reduce or resolve the appearance. This is not about hemolysis, neutrophil agglutination, or bacterial contamination.

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