Platelet satellitosis is usually due to which of the following?

Platelet satellitosis is usually due to which of the following?

• A. Abnormal proteins
• B. Inadequate mixing of blood and anticoagulant
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Poorly made wedge smear

Answer: (A)

Platelet satellitosis is an antibody‑mediated artifact seen on a peripheral smear, usually when blood is collected in EDTA. An IgG autoantibody binds to platelets and, in the EDTA environment, interacts with neutrophil Fc receptors, causing platelets to cling to the neutrophil surface and form the characteristic “satellites.” Because this involves an abnormal protein (an autoantibody) acting on platelets, the best explanation is abnormal proteins. It’s not caused by improper mixing, bleeding, or smear technique, though EDTA-dependent satellitism can mislead automated counts and may disappear if a different anticoagulant (like citrate or heparin) is used.

Platelet satellitosis is an antibody‑mediated artifact seen on a peripheral smear, usually when blood is collected in EDTA. An IgG autoantibody binds to platelets and, in the EDTA environment, interacts with neutrophil Fc receptors, causing platelets to cling to the neutrophil surface and form the characteristic “satellites.” Because this involves an abnormal protein (an autoantibody) acting on platelets, the best explanation is abnormal proteins. It’s not caused by improper mixing, bleeding, or smear technique, though EDTA-dependent satellitism can mislead automated counts and may disappear if a different anticoagulant (like citrate or heparin) is used.