Pesky Platelets: Getting The Most Out of Diagnostic Testing
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Dr. Kelly Cairns graduated CSU veterinary school in 2004, completed a small animal internship at Cornell in 2005 and a small animal internal medicine residency at the Ohio State University in 2008, at which time she obtained Diplomate status. She enjoyed clinical practice as an internist and medical director of a multi-specialty/ER hospital until joining Thrive Pet Healthcare in January 2018. Dr. Cairns is Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education for 350+ hospitals. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, President Elect of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, a Wedgewood advisory board member and a dvm360 editorial board member. She lectures internationally on profession-related wellness and leadership coaching topics, veterinary education models and internal medicine.
Overview:
This presentation reviews the function of platelets and the basic pathways in which platelets play a role. The speaker will then discuss how to obtain samples for platelet evaluation and the factors that will lead to falsely decreased platelet counts so that the learner understands how to obtain accurate platelet counts. The reasons why platelet count could be low without underlying pathology will also be reviewed along with congenital platelet conditions which impact platelet count evaluation.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain normal platelet function and the key physiologic pathways involved in hemostasis.
- Identify pre-analytical and analytical factors that can lead to falsely decreased platelet counts and implement best practices for accurate platelet sample collection and evaluation.
- Differentiate true thrombocytopenia from benign, congenital, or artifactual causes of low platelet counts to guide appropriate clinical decision-making.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
