Utility of immature platelet fraction in the Sysmex XN‐1000V for the differential diagnosis of central and peripheral thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats

Abstract Background The immature platelet fraction (IPF), a parameter obtained by the Sysmex XN‐1000V analyzer, is used in humans to differentiate between central (CEN) and peripheral (PER) thrombocytopenia (TP) but has not been evaluated in small animals. Objectives Compare IPF between healthy, clinical non‐TP and TP dogs and cats, study IPF in different causes of TP in dogs and cats and, establish IPF reference intervals (RIs), and study the effect of age and sex on IPF in healthy dogs and cats. Animals A total of 3281 dogs and 726 cats. Methods Retrospective review of medical records. Animals were classified as nonthrombocytopenic (healthy group and group of clinical patients without TP [NTP]) or TP. These latter animals were subclassified as pseudothrombocytopenia (PSE), CEN and PER, based on evaluation of platelet clumps, estimated platelet count in blood smears and final diagnosis. Blood samples were evaluated using a Sysmex XN‐1000V with a specific platelet channel (PLT‐F). Results The IPF was significantly different between each subtype of TP in both species. Immature platelet fractions <6.9% in dogs or 13.6% in cats, once PSE has been eliminated by review of blood smears, are indicative of CEN. Reference intervals for IPF were 0.5%‐8% in healthy dogs and 1%‐40.3% in healthy cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We determined that IPF can differentiate between CEN and PER in dogs and cats, guiding additional testing and avoiding more invasive procedures (bone marrow sampling). A blood smear always should be evaluated to rule out platelet clumping.