Electron Microscopy Facility 

Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency Analysis

Our laboratory offers reference testing services for diagnosing platelet dysfunction disorders. Specifically, we routinely evaluate patients suspected of having dense granule (delta) storage pool deficiency. The Electron Microscopy Facility is fully accredited, certified and licensed; copies of our certification can be obtained via the following links:CLIA; CAP.

The platelet is a dynamic hematological cell that has a half-life of approximately 5-7 days in the circulation and it is essential for hemostasis. These cells contain numerous substances that mediate both clotting and thrombolysis that are stored principally in two types of organelles, alpha and delta (dense) granules. Storage pool deficiency (SPD) is a heterogeneous bleeding disorder due to platelet dysfunction and usually related to a decreased number of these specific platelet organelles. Deficiencies of platelet alpha granules (α-SPD), dense granules (δ-SPD), and combined deficiencies of both alpha and delta granules and their specific substance contents will all manifest as a hemorrhagic diathesis. Patients having SPD often present with a history of easy bruising, frequent epistaxis, and prolonged bleeding times with or without abnormal aggregation tests. Both hereditary and acquired etiologies have been reported. Chédiak-Higashi, Grey Platelet, Hermansky-Pudlak, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes are examples of hereditary SPDs. Acquired SPDs have been reported in subjects suffering from myeloproliferative disorders, cirrhosis, and uremia.

If you are looking for submission criteria for any other tissues such as kidney, muscle or ciliary biopsy, please click here.

 

Platelet (Delta Granule) Ultrastructural Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy (Blood Submission Instructions PDF)

Please include the following information with blood specimen:

  • Complete and print the following PDF forms to insure legibility of information:

E.M. Requisition Form for Reference Laboratory Testing for submission of blood for clinical evaluation.

Bleeding History / Laboratory values Form for sending blood specimen for platelet delta granule electron microscopy.

  • Patient history, PT, PTT, CBC, as well as any coagulation results or profiles, if possible

Collect a minimum of 7 ml of whole blood in a yellow top (ACD) solution (A or B) tube.  Send specimen at ambient temperature via overnight delivery.  It is imperative that the blood specimen is not refrigerated or frozen at any time.  Samples are accepted and run Monday through Friday.  The laboratory is CLOSED weekends and holidays. 

The facility does not bill patients or insurance companies. Billing is inter-institutional only. The following form is beneficial for diagnostic test referral justification and can be sent to third party payers: 

Request for Insurance Approval of Platelet Electron Microscopy Form - To be sent to patient's insurance provider

 

Specimen Delivery Address:

Via Courier:

Via Fed Ex or DHL:

Pathology Laboratory
University of Toledo Medical Center
3000 Arlington Avenue
Toledo, OH 43614
Phone: (419) 383 - 3752
Attention: Dr. W.T. Gunning
Department of Pathology
University of Toledo
Health Science Campus
Block Health Sciences Bldg., Room 029
3000 Transverse Drive
Toledo, OH 43614-5804
Phone: (419) 383 - 3484

 

We do not bill patients or insurance companies. Billing is interinstitutional only.

 


 

INTERNAL MEDICINE NEWS, May 12, 2011

"Platelet Aggregation Testing Flawed in Teens" By Patrice Wendling

FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY

http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/more-top-news/single-view/platelet-aggregation-testing-flawed-in-teens/ac19bab1c5.html

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Last Updated: 7/18/22