Method and apparatus for performing platelet measurement

A method of differentiation of platelets from non-platelet particles in a blood sample comprising:

• (a) diluting a blood sample with a reagent to form a sample mixture;
• (b) passing said sample mixture through an aperture of a flow cell;
• (c) directing a light beam at said aperture;
• (d) measuring axial light loss signals and light scatter signals in the angular range from 9° to 20° from said platelets and said non-platelet particles in said sample mixture passing through said aperture;
• and
• (e) differentiating said platelets from said non-platelet particles in said blood sample using a combination of said axial light loss signals and said light scatter signals in an angular range from 9° to 20° obtained in (d).

A method of differentiation of platelets from non-platelet particles in a blood sample comprising:

• (a) diluting a blood sample with a reagent to form a sample mixture;
• (b) passing said sample mixture through an aperture of a flow cell;
• (c) directing a light beam at said aperture;
• (d) measuring axial light loss signals, electrical impedance signals, and light scatter signals of said platelets and said non-platelet particles in said sample mixture passing through said aperture;
• and
• (e) differentiating said platelets from said non-platelet particles in said blood sample using a combination of said axial light loss signals, said impedance signals and one or more said light scatter signals selected from the group consisting of forward light scatter and side scatter signals obtained in (d).