A leukocyte count greater than the maximum limit of an automated analyzer will typically falsely elevate which other CBC parameter?

A leukocyte count that exceeds the maximum limit of an automated analyzer can lead to a false elevation in the hemoglobin measurement. This occurs because the hematology analyzers use algorithms to calculate various parameters in a complete blood count (CBC). If the leukocyte count is too high, it can interfere with the measurement of hemoglobin, as the analyzer may misinterpret the signals it receives from the blood sample. The excess white blood cells can cause clumping or other artifacts in the sample that skew the results. As a result, the hemoglobin value reported may be inaccurately high.

In contrast, the other parameters such as platelet count, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume do not have the same level of interference from an excessive leukocyte count, making them less likely to be falsely elevated in this context. Understanding this interaction between various components of a CBC and how they can influence one another is crucial for accurate interpretation of laboratory results.