The immature platelet fraction (IPF) - The first to know about megakaryocyte activity

Megakaryocytes pinch off reticulated platelets which develop into mature platelets within one or two days. An indication for the rate of thrombopoiesis is the amount of reticulated platelets found in peripheral blood. It is now possible to investigate the utility of the immature platelet fraction with a routine haematology analyser.