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HelpTest Code IMPLF Immature Platelet Fraction, Blood
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Secondary ID
622937Useful For
Assessing thrombopoietic activity with increased values observed when bone marrow is stimulated to produce platelets
Differentiating causes of thrombocytopenia
Predicting platelet recovery in patients undergoing treatments that affect platelet counts, such as chemotherapy
Method Name
Flow Cytometry
Reporting Name
Immature Platelet Fraction, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 48 hours |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
| Clotted | Reject |
Clinical Information
Immature platelets or reticulated platelets are newly released thrombocytes. They can be identified by their large size and high RNA concentration in their cytoplasm. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) represents the number of immature platelets compared to the total number of platelets as a percentage.(1)
Immature platelet fraction is a direct cellular measurement of thrombopoiesis. It can be used to differentiate causes of thrombocytopenia. IPF can be low or normal in the setting of decreased platelet production (hypoproductive) and increased in the setting of platelet destruction (hyperdestructive/consumptive).(1)
Immature platelet fraction increases prior to platelet recovery after chemotherapy and after stem cell transplantation by 2 to 3 days. This can prevent unnecessary platelet transfusion and provide an indicator for a successful engraftment after both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation.(2)
Reference Values
1.1-8.6%
Interpretation
Results that increase from baseline or that are above the established reference intervals indicate increased thrombopoiesis. Values lower than normal may indicate decreased thrombopoiesis.
Method Description
The Sysmex XN platelet fluorescent (PLT-F) analysis is based on flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser, a two-dimensional scattergram is plotted, with the X-axis representing the intensity of the side fluorescent light, and the Y-axis representing the intensity of the forward scattered light. The scattergram displays groups of platelets, part of red blood cells, part of white blood cells, and debris.
The immature platelet fraction (IPF) is obtained as a ratio of platelet count in the area with strong fluorescent light intensity in the PLT-F scattergram (IPF zone), to the total platelet count.(Instruction manual: Automated Hematology Analyzer XN series [XN-9000/XN-9100] North American Edition. Code No. BF691913 en-am. Sysmex Corp; rev: 09/2022)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
85055
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| IMPLF | Immature Platelet Fraction, B | 71693-6 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| IPF | Immature Platelet Fraction | 71693-6 |