Q&A column

Immature platelets—clinical use: differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. Sysmex Europe white paper. www.sysmex-europe.com/fileadmin/media/f100/White_Paper/Haematology/Sysmex_White_Paper_Differential_diagnosis_of_thrombocytopenia.pdf. Published 2017.

Kickler TS, Oguni S, Borowitz MJ. A clinical evaluation of high fluorescent platelet fraction percentage in thrombocytopenia. Am J Clin Pathol. 2006;​125(2):282–287.

The value-driven laboratory: the role of the immature platelet fraction (IPF) in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. Sysmex America white paper. www.sysmex.com/us/en/Brochures/The%20Value%20Driven%20Laboratory_IPF_Final.pdf. Published 2014.

Alexandra E. Kovach, MD
Assistant Professor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tenn.
Member, CAP Hematology/Clinical
Microscopy Committee

Q. What is the normal random plasma glucose value?

 

A. Because blood glucose concentrations are in a constant dynamic flux to maintain physiologic homeostasis, there is no “normal” random blood glucose range or value. This concept also applies to the pathophysiologic states of diabetes or prediabetes, in which the overall average glucose concentrations are higher. This is explained in the American Diabetes Association’s “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” (Diabetes Care. 2019;42[suppl 1]:S13–S28) and guidelines from the World Health Organization.

David Alter, MD
Associate Professor
Director of Clinical Chemistry
Department of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University Hospital, Atlanta
Chair, CAP Clinical Chemistry Committee

Joseph R. Wiencek, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pathology
Associate Director of Clinical Chemistry
Director of Point of Care Testing
Division of Laboratory Medicine
Department of Pathology
University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville