31/03/2026
Stress Platelets Reticulated Platelets Why Large Platelets Appear
Stress platelets show active marrow response.
You see them when platelet count drops.
Key points
• Seen in thrombocytopenia recovery
• Larger than normal platelets (>6 µm)
• Indicate increased platelet production
• Contain residual RNA and organelle fragments
• Detected by flow cytometry with nucleic acid dyes
Takeaway
Large platelets signal regeneration, not destruction failure.