A hospital lab received an EDTA sample for a full blood count on a young boy. The specimen looked partially clotted, and the analyzer reported a platelet count of 6.
Concerned about the accuracy, the lab called the ED and requested a redraw. The nurse initially refused.
When asked why, she explained—completely seriously—that she didn’t want to risk “taking one of the six platelets he has left.”
After a brief pause, the lab clarified: the result wasn’t literally six platelets… it was 6 × 10⁹ per liter.
Needless to say, the redraw was approved.
Submitted by:
George Peters
Laboratory Manager
Montana, USA
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