Platelet Count Test
Booked 325 timesAlso known as:
Thrombocyte Count, PLT count
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Overview
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that aid in the clotting of blood. The process of clotting helps you stop bleeding after an injury. Platelet testing comes under two categories, Platelet count tests and Platelet function tests.
A Platelet count test is a lab test that determines the number of platelets in the blood.
Thrombocytopenia is a term that denotes a platelet count that is lower than average. This disease might cause you to bleed excessively after a cut or any other bleeding incident. On the other hand, Thrombocytosis is defined as a condition where the platelet count is higher than usual. This might cause your blood to clot more than it should; as blood clots can restrict blood flow, they can be hazardous.
Platelets are blood components that aid in clotting. In their inactive state, they form little plates. When a blood vessel is injured, it will send out a signal. Platelets will respond by moving to the location and changing into their active shape.
The platelet count in a standard blood sample varies between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter. Thrombocytosis is a state of having more than 450,000 platelets. On the other hand, Thrombocytopenia is the state of having less than 150,000 platelets. A regular blood test termed a complete blood count (CBC) will determine the platelet count in the blood.
As stated before, Thrombocytosis is the medical word for having too many platelets. There are two types:
- Primary or Essential Thrombocytosis, where an increase in platelets is caused by abnormal cells in the bone marrow, but the origin is unknown.
- Secondary Thrombocytosis is the same as Primary Thrombocytosis. The slight difference is that it can be caused by a chronic illness or diseases and conditions like anaemia, cancer, inflammation or infection.
Symptoms include spontaneous blood clots in the legs and arms, leading to a heart attack or stroke if left untreated. In extreme scenarios, the individual may need plateletpheresis treatment. The platelet count is reduced by extracting the blood, isolating the platelets and restoring the red blood cells to the body.
The symptoms of secondary Thrombocytosis are generally based on the underlying disease. For example, if an individual has an infection or anaemia, they treat the condition or anaemia and their platelet count drops.
Thrombocytopenia is a state in which the platelets are insufficient. Sustaining injuries is typical and bleeding from the gums, nose or GI tract is common. When anything prevents the body from generating platelets, the platelet count declines. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Medications
- A hereditary disease
- Infection or malfunction of the kidneys
- Higher level of alcohol in the body
Blood clots, heart attacks or strokes can occur if too many platelets, too few platelets or improperly functioning platelets are present. So when there’s a familial link, it's a good idea to consult the doctor.
The Platelet Count test will help the doctor diagnose when an individual has episodes of unexplained or extended bleeding or other symptoms related to a platelet problem.
Other names of Platelet Count Test
- Thrombocyte Count Test or PLT Test
- Mean Platelet Volume Test or MPV Test
- Platelet Distribution Width Test or PDW Test
What does the Platelet Count detect/measure and whom is this prescribed for?
The Platelet Count Test measures the number of platelets in the blood sample.
A Platelet Count test is prescribed to monitor or diagnose disorders that result in excessive bleeding or clotting frequently. A complete blood count, commonly performed as part of a routine visit, may include a platelet count.
The Platelet Count Test is prescribed for people who show the following symptoms:
- Bleeding that persists after a small cut or injury
- Nosebleeds
- Pain without any reasons
- Spots like little red patches on the skin resembling pinpricks
- Purpura or purplish patches on the skin. Blood clots can cause these beneath the skin.
- Menstrual cycles that are heavy and/or extended
- Hands and feet numbness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Clots
The Platelet Count Test is also prescribed in the following conditions:
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Malaria
- Bleeding disorders
- Viral infections
- Cirrhosis
- Sepsis
- Aplastic Anaemia
Test Result Interpretation
If the platelet count is lower than average (Thrombocytopenia), it might mean one of the following:
- Lymphoma or Leukemia, type of cancer that affect the blood.
- Mononucleosis, measles or hepatitis, are examples of viral infections.
- An autoimmune disorder, is a state where the body attacks its healthy tissues, including platelets.
- A disease of the bone marrow or injury to the bone marrow.
- Cirrhosis
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Gestational Thrombocytopenia, is a low-platelet disorder that affects pregnant women. It is not known to harm the health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child. During pregnancy or after birth, the condition typically recedes.
If the platelet count is more significant than usual (Thrombocytosis), it might mean one of the following:
- Cancers of the breasts and lungs
- Anemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a kind of bowel illness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- A bacterial or viral infection
Sample Type
The results of the Platelet Count test are determined by analysing a sample of the blood.
Test Preparation
The Platelet Count test has no fasting requirements. The person can eat as normal before the test if their blood sample is drawn for only a complete blood count. However, they might need to fast for a specific length of time before the test if their blood sample is used for another test.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included?
The Platelet Count test gives the following parameters
- Thrombocytopenia or Lower Platelet Count
- Thrombocytosis or Higher Platelet Count
How frequently should you take this test?
Based on the diagnosis of your medical condition, your doctor will repeat the Platelet Count test as outlined below:
- With acute illnesses, you may need to repeat the test every alternate day.
- With chronic illnesses, you may need to repeat the test every 3-6 months.
Risk Assessment
Thrombocytosis, Thrombocytopenia, Dangerous internal blood clots
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if your platelets are low?
If you don't have enough platelets in your blood, your body can't create clots. Thrombocytopenia is a term for a low platelet count. Depending on the underlying reason, this disease can range from moderate to severe. Severe bleeding is one of the symptoms for certain people and if not addressed, the condition can be deadly.
What is a bad platelet count?
A regular platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. If your platelet count goes below 10,000 to 20,000, you’re in danger of bleeding out. If your platelet count is lower than 50,000, bleeding from a cut or bruise is more likely to be serious.
What is an alarming level of platelets?
If your platelet count is below 50,000, bleeding from an injury or cut is more dangerous. Spontaneous bleeding might occur if the platelet count exceeds 10,000 to 20,000 platelets per microliter. It is a life-threatening danger.
What is a critical platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia is a state in which your blood platelet count falls below normal. Platelet counts of fewer than 50,000 platelets per microliter are abnormally low. However, severe bleeding does not occur unless the platelet count drops below 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.
How can I increase my platelets quickly?
Eating a healthy, nutritious diet can help increase your platelets naturally. Include foods like citrus fruits, coconut water, leafy greens, fatty fish and iron-rich foods in your diet.