Test
From haematologyetc.co.uk
Appearance:
Neutrophils forming aggregates on a blood smear (most frequently seen on the edges) and monocytes may be seen within these aggregates. Less commonly aggregates may be comprised of lymphocytes..
Images of agglutination:
- Agg.jpg
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- Agg2.jpg
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- Agg3.jpg
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An EDTA-dependent phenomenon seen in neutrophils (image 1) and occasionally in lymphocytes (image 2); aggregation most frequently affects platelets (image 3).
Cause:
This occurs mainly in EDTA samples, if in doubt a smear can be made using a finger-prick sample or other anticoagulant.
Consider:
A rare phenomenon that occurs in vitro and has little clinical significance, although may cause falsely low counts on automated counters