[Platelet volume in essential thrombopenia].

The electronic method for measuring platelet volume using the Coulter Z BI Counter coupled with a Channelyser C 1000 has been standardized. The distribution of platelet volumes was studied in 28 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and in 59 cases of thrombocytopenia attributed to a failure of platelet production. Results showed that the volumetric distribution curve of platelet rich plasma (PRP) was altered in 40 cases, by the presence of small particles interfering with platelets of small volume and/or by residual red cells modifying its terminal segment.

[Volume distribution studies on the platelet populations (author's transl)].

The volume distribution into human platelet populations was investigated in order to determine if thereis a relationship between the cell density and the cell size and if the isolated platelets are homogeneous populations of cells. The platelet populations were isolated from platelet rich plasma or from washed platelets by isopycnic centrifugation on sucrose density gradients. Platelet volume was measured electronically with Coulter F or Coulter Z Bic coupled with Channelyser C 1000.