Laboratory Findings

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Authentic and Spurious Causes of Thrombocytopenia. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Laboratory Findings

These laboratory findings are associated with TTP and HUS:
  • Thrombocytopenia -- Platelet count is often less than 20 x 109/L in TTP but may not be as low in HUS.
  • Schistocytes (red blood cell fragments indicated by the circles in the image to the right) may be observed on the peripheral blood smear. Schistocytes result from erythrocytic membrane damage caused by the shearing of red blood cells as they pass through a fibrin mesh of clot formation occurring in the blood vessels.
  • LDH, serum bilirubin, and reticulocyte counts are elevated.
  • Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are usually normal.
  • Proteinuria and hematuria may be present.
2. "Blood Smear with Typical Schistocytes in TTP Marked in Blue 2.TIF.” Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blood_smear_with_typical_schistocytes_in_TTP_marked_in_blue_2.tif.

Blood smear with typical schistocytes in TTP marked by blue circles (2).