Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Evidence of the Risk of Thrombosis

The significance of the clinical laboratory in decision-making practice is critical considering the considerable influence that laboratory testing results have on medical diagnosis and consequent therapy. Platelets play a crucial role in normal hemostasis, and their contributions to thrombotic disorders are critical. In this matter, activated platelets are an indicator of increased thrombotic risk among patients. This study tested the ability of mean platelet volume (MPV) to be used as an indicator for platelet activation; consequently, it might become an introductory screening test in exploring further thrombosis risks. Nevertheless, the predictive value of the MPV tends to be eroded when considering that it can be easily manipulated through the analysis methodology, length of time between sampling and measurement and type of anticoagulant. The purpose of this study was to determine the anticoagulant effects on platelets stability over time and the effect of platelet activation on MPV and platelet count to determine whether MPV can act as a marker for platelet activation.