Uri flag on blood test?

Ok so I've noticed a few times next to my platelet count on my CBC it says uri I looked it up it said it means giant platelets or clumpy platelets my count is 18 today with the uri flag is this bad? I asked my nurses and they didn't know what it meant and didn't seem concerned so I don't know I'll bring it up to my dr when I see him just curious if anyone else gets this flag? Also I'm 35 weeks pregnant and don't remember seeing this flag before I was pregnant. Any help appreciated

Keli - if it was something to worry about, I'm sure your doctor would address it with you. Clumping is common with ITP and usually when clumping occurs, the count is actually higher than the results show.

I've never seen that on any of my printouts so decided to google and found this which I can't figure out:
www.nhlmmc.edu.in/document/nhljms%20Volume.3%20Issue.1/32-36.pdf -- pg 33
In Cell Dyn 3700 URI (Upper Region Interferance) and LURI (Lower and Upper Region Interferance) are platelet flags which indicate presence of microcytic RBC, giant platelet, schistocytes,sickle cell and platelet clumps.

I remember someone here said our platelets are bigger because they are new - don't know if that is right though.

Yes, I'd bring it up to your doctor when you see him - you are not sure what this means and you should have it clarified (personally I think your nurse or LPN or whatever they are should have told you they don't know what it means but they will find out and let you know). You are pregnant, you have another life to think of - your mind should be put at rest whenever you have a question!!

Melinda wrote: I remember someone here said our platelets are bigger because they are new - don't know if that is right though.

Yes, that is right. New platelets are called reticulated platelets. They shrink as they age. People with ITP tend to have more new platelets than older ones.

I'm not sure why that flag would suddenly show up. Maybe your doctor would have an idea.

I will be sure to bring it up next to lym there was a r1 flag too don't know what that means either but I know being pregnant can cause blood to do some wacky things so I'll ask about both thanks guys

In my experience, any unusual result on blood work has come with a call from my doctor's office or even the lab where I had the work done. I've not had a URI on my results but have had TNP (test not performed) due to too much platelet clumping or similar problems. The lab calls, the doctor's office calls, I go in for another test, and that's all that happened. Just make sure to follow up with your doctor to get any questions you have addressed.