Abstract

Mobilization of thrombocytopoiesis reserves may also release an increased number of immature platelets in the peripheral blood (left adaptation shift). It is known that these young or immature platelets are functionally and metabolically active more than the resting ones [1]. These parameters are now available, but they are not reported because clinicians are not aware that they are available, and the reference ranges with which the patients’ results should be interpreted are not known. Our studies of thrombocytopenic patients using an RNA polymethine dye similar to thiazole orange and flow cytometry (the Sysmex XE- 2100 Kobe, Japan) showed that the immature platelets fraction (IPF, %) may increase in consumptive disorders and decrease or remain normal when marrow suppression is present.