A 24-Year-Old Woman Has a Low Platelet Count on Routine

A 24-year-old woman has a low platelet count on routine blood work.  She denies bleeding, fever, chills, weight loss, bone pain, or abdominal pain.  Her past medical history is unremarkable and she does not take any medications.  She does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.  She is sexually active.
Complete physical examination is within normal limits.
Laboratory results are as follows:

Blood smear shows a paucity of platelets but is otherwise unremarkable.  Pregnancy test is negative.
Which of the following is the best next step in managing this patient?

A) Antinuclear antibodies
B) Flow cytometry of the peripheral blood
C) HIV testing
D) No further work-up
E) Serum protein electrophoresis

Correct Answer:

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