What is a known cause of falsely decreased platelet counts?

Falsely decreased platelet counts can occur due to various factors, and one of the known causes is platelet satellitosis. This phenomenon occurs when platelets adhere to white blood cells, typically neutrophils, resulting in a clumping effect that can lead to an inaccurate lower reading of platelet counts in automated analyzers.

Automation errors can happen because many hemocytometers cannot distinguish between clumped platelets and a true low platelet count, thereby reporting a falsely low result. In cases of platelet satellitosis, it is crucial to prepare a manual differential count to verify the results, as the correct identification of platelet morphology is essential for accurate platelet assessment.

While the other options touch on different aspects of platelet behavior and conditions, they do not directly contribute to a false decrease in platelet counts in the same manner that platelet satellitosis does.