What is a platelet Count? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What are the platelets?
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that are essential for normal blood clotting. They are released in the bloodstream by their precursor cells known as megakaryocytes, found in the bone marrow.
Also Read: Erythropoietin Test
What is the role of platelets?
If your blood vessel gets injured, it sends a signal to the platelets where they form clots by mixing with other clotting factors and temporarily plug the injured site. The following are the three major roles of platelets:
- Hemostasis (prevent and stop bleeding)
- Thrombosis (blood clotting)
- Wound healing
What is a platelet count?
It is a common lab test that measures the number of platelets in your blood. It is part of CBC (complete blood count), which measures the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
When is a platelet count needed?
It is done during a routine physical examination and used to monitor the conditions associated with excessive bleeding or blood clotting.
What is a normal platelet count?
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
What does a low blood platelet count indicate?
Conditions with platelet count lower than 150,000 are called thrombocytopenia. A low platelet count will result in the prevention of blood clotting.
What are the causes of a low platelet count?
This can be because of:
- Decreased production
- Increased destruction
Bone marrow issues– When bone marrow stops producing enough platelets. This could be because of multiple reasons as:
- Aplastic anemia
- Certain types of cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Some viral infections such as Hepatitis C or HIV
- Cirrhosis
- Genetic conditions
Platelet destruction– It could be because of:
- Autoimmune disorders
- An enlarged spleen
- Hemolytic thrombocytopenic purpura (a disease that destroys the platelets)
- Severe bacterial infection
- Side effects of certain medications e.g., diuretics, some antibiotics, blood thinners, etc.
Other causes-
- Excessive blood loss after an injury
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (it is a formation of blood clots in the small blood vessels throughout the body)
- Pregnancy
- Loss of blood in vomit, nosebleed, urine or bowel movements
- Heavy alcohol consumption
What are the symptoms produced by low platelet count?
- Easily bruising
- Blood in vomit, urine, or stool
- Excessive bleeding from small cuts
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Weakness
- Muscles and joint pains
What if your blood platelet count is high?
Conditions with platelet count higher than 450,000 are called thrombocytosis. It occurs when your body produces too many platelets. These are of two types:
Reactive thrombocytosis- It could be a sign of
- Certain infections
- Blood loss
- Cancers
- Autoimmune disorders
- Splenectomy (spleen removal)
- Problem with the platelets producing genes
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, etc.
Essential thrombocythemia- The exact cause of this condition is unknown. It is thought to be because of changes in the genes and results in the increased production of platelets.
What are the symptoms produced by a high platelet count?
- Headache
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Tingling or burning in hands and feet
- Thrombosis when not required
- Swelling in legs
- Less commonly, too many platelets can also cause
- Easily bruising
- Excessive bleeding from small cuts
