Macroplates, also known as giant wafers, correspond to platelets larger than the normal size of a platelet, which are approximately 3 mm long and have an average volume of 7.0 fl. These larger platelets usually indicate changes in the platelet activation and production process and can occur as a result of heart problems, diabetes or haematological conditions, such as leukemia and myelosphere syndromes.
The size of the platelets is evaluated by looking at the blood smear under the microscope and the result of the complete blood formula, which should contain the amount and volume of platelets.
- The presence of circulating macroplates in the blood indicates a stimulation of the platelet activation process and may be caused by several situations.
- The main ones being:.
Larger-than-normal platelets have higher levels of activity and reactive potential, as well as promoting thrombotic processes, as they have greater ease of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, which can be quite severe. Therefore, it is important that tests are performed to determine the amount of platelets in circulation and their characteristics. If changes are found, it is important to identify the cause of macroplates in order to initiate the most appropriate treatment.
The identification of the macroplates is carried out by means of a blood test, specifically the whole blood formula, in which all components of the blood are evaluated, including platelets. Platelet evaluation is carried out both quantitatively and qualitatively. In other words, the amount of circulating platelets, whose normal value is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets / ‘L’, which can vary between laboratories, and the characteristics of the platelets are verified.
These characteristics are observed both under the microscope and through the average volume of platelets, or MPV, which is a laboratory parameter that indicates the volume of platelets and thus it is possible to know if they are higher than normal and level of platelet activity. Normally, the higher the MPV, the greater the amount of platelets and the lower the total amount of platelets circulating in the blood, as platelets are produced and destroyed quickly. Although they are an important parameter for checking platelet changes, MPV values are difficult to standardize and may be affected by other factors.
Learn more about platelets.