Korean J Clin Pathol.  1999 Aug;19(4):389-391.

A Case of Pseudoleukopenia due to Cold-Induced Leukocyte Agglutination

• Um T

Abstract

Pseudothrombocytopenia due to EDTA-induced platelet clumping is occasionally observed in clinical laboratory, but pseudoleukopenia due to in vitro leukocyte agglutination is very rare and there has been no report on this in Korea. The author has experienced a case of pseudoleukopenia in a 78-year-old woman who had been hospitalized with relapsed cerebrovascular accident. EDTA-anticoagulated blood stored for 3 hours in room temperature showed leukopenia by automated blood cell counter (Sysmex SE-9000, Toa Medical Electronics Co., Japan). Leukocyte agglutinates were observed on the peripheral blood smear, which were mostly composed of neutrophils. With prolonged exposure to room temperature, the size of agglutinates increased, and total leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage decreased further. The agglutination reversely disappeared after 37degrees C incubation.

Keyword

Pseudoleukopenia; Leukocyte agglutination; Automated blood cell counter

MeSH Terms

Aged
Agglutination*
Blood Cell Count
Blood Platelets
Electronics, Medical
Female
Humans
Korea
Leukocyte Count
Leukocytes*
Leukopenia
Neutrophils
Stroke