Which of the following instruments automates platelet counts?

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

The instrument shown in the image is a haematology analyser, which is specifically designed for automated blood cell analysis.
A primary function of a haematology analyser is to perform a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which includes an automated platelet count.
These machines use advanced methods like electrical impedance and flow cytometry for high-speed, accurate counting of various blood cells.
The results from a haematology analyser are essential for diagnosing and monitoring numerous medical conditions.

Option B: A glucometer is a portable device used to measure blood glucose (sugar) levels, not blood cell counts.
Option C: A stethoscope is a non-invasive acoustic medical device used for auscultation, which is listening to the internal sounds of the body, such as heart, lung, and bowel sounds.
Option D: A sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure monitor, is used exclusively for measuring arterial blood pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and function of common laboratory and medical instruments as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring proper collection of blood samples (e.g., using the correct anticoagulant tube like EDTA for CBC) to prevent clotting or haemolysis, which can lead to inaccurate results from the haematology analyser.
Abnormal platelet counts reported by the analyser—thrombocytopenia (low count) or thrombocytosis (high count)—are critical findings that a nurse must recognize and report, as they indicate risks for bleeding or clotting, respectively.
What if? If a patient is on heparin therapy, the nurse must be vigilant for a significant drop in platelet count (greater than 50% from baseline) as reported by the analyser, as this could signal Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a life-threatening condition requiring immediate cessation of heparin.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question, which asks to identify an instrument that automates platelet counts.
Next, examine the image provided. Recognize it as a complex, modern laboratory machine, which is consistent with an automated analyser.
Evaluate each option based on its known medical function.
Option A, 'Haematology analyser', directly relates to the analysis of blood components ('haematology'). This aligns with counting platelets.
Options B, C, and D are common clinical devices with distinct functions: a glucometer for blood sugar, a stethoscope for listening to body sounds, and a sphygmomanometer for blood pressure. None of these are used for counting blood cells.
Conclude that the haematology analyser is the only instrument listed that performs automated platelet counts.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and function of common laboratory and medical instruments.
Stem keywords: instrument, automates, platelet counts
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics pp. 384-386, 398-400

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 240-463 of 478) p. 78-80