The determination of a reference range for new platelet parameters produced by the Bayer ADVIA120 full blood count analyser.

One hundred and twenty-two samples from normal volunteers were processed for full blood count analysis through the Bayer ADVIA120. The samples were simultaneously tested using the marker CD62P to establish the absence of platelet activation. Samples were tested at two time intervals, 20 min and 3.5 h, to simulate the testing practice for routine and urgent samples in our laboratory. From these data the mean and reference ranges, with 95% confidence limits, for platelet parameters were calculated for the ADVIA120. The time difference for some platelet parameters was significant. Hence two ranges have been reported. The age or smoking habit of the volunteer did not significantly affect platelet results but there was a statistically significant sex difference in some platelet parameters.