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HaemInsights

Issue 3 | May 2025

This edition looks at a blood film from a patient with Beta Thalassaemia, displaying gross RBC abnormalities, large platelets and platelet clumps. It also discusses platelets, how they are produced, and their role in haemostasis and fighting infection.

Morphology Case Study

Gross red cells abnormalities with large platelets and platelet clumps in a Beta Thalassaemia patient.

Platelets

Cell Quiz

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Name the cell and what it may indicate.

The answer will be revealed in the next HaemInsights newsletter and on our social media channels (LinkedIn and X).

Last Issue's Quiz Answer

See below 3 Levey - Jenning (L-J) plots from a FBC analyser. The range is +- 3SD (red lines). Which one shows a positive bias?

Correct answer: Plot C

Levey-Jenning (LJ) plots are a good way of visualising the performance of any Quality Control (QC) result. Generally, they represent the number of Standard Deviation each result is away from the Target value. Plot C shows that the results are always above the target, and therefore, we can say that the parameter is showing a positive bias. The plot also shows that there is some variation in result which could be due to an analyser performance issue. Plot A shows a near perfect performance.

Bibliography:

• Unveiling the Lifesavers: How Platelets Combat Sepsis and Bacterial Infections (How Platelets Combat Sepsis and Bacterial Infections)
• Platelet Physiology and Biochemistry: A Topic as Relevant as Ever (Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50(05): 804-805)​

Editorial Team:

Kelly Duffy, Andrew Fisher, HORIBA UK Limited

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Past issues of HaemInsights are available on our website.

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