A routine CBC is ordered on a patient.Results are as follows: WBC count: 22.0 × 10⁹/L
PLT: 957 × 10⁹/L
RBC: 5.00 × 10¹²/L
PB smear: moderate platelet clumping and giant platelets noted
These results are characteristic of which disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The results are characteristic of essential thrombocythemia (ET), which is characterized by high platelet counts and sometimes giant platelets on blood smears. The high WBC count and moderate platelet clumping could be seen in other myeloproliferative disorders like polycythemia vera (PV) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but the combination of high platelets and giant platelets is most strongly suggestive of ET. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) typically presents with a low platelet count and other abnormalities on blood counts.

A Routine CBC Is Ordered on a Patient