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Some patients exhibit EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia—platelets aggregate in EDTA, causing spuriously low automated counts. The appropriate response is to recollect into an alternative anticoagulant, most commonly sodium citrate (light blue), designated for platelet counting. The laboratory will often correct for dilution (e.g., multiply by ~1.1) and may verify with a smear estimate. Option C captures this plan and emphasizes communication. Reporting the original count (Option A) risks unnecessary transfusions or procedures. Aggressive mixing (Option B) may increase hemolysis and rarely disperses immune aggregates. Prolonged warming (Option D) is not a validated preanalytical fix. When recollecting, use meticulous technique: minimize tourniquet time, ensure full tube fill, and perform gentle inversions. Ask the lab whether a concurrent EDTA tube is still needed for other parameters, and note any history of platelet clumping in the patient’s chart to guide future collections. Recognizing and addressing preanalytical/interference flags is a key laboratory operations competency.