Home> PLATELET COUNT
Ever wonder how a tiny cut stops bleeding? It's all thanks to platelets, tiny disc-shaped cells crucial for blood clotting. They clump together at the site of an injury to form a plug, preventing excessive bleeding. A platelet blood count test accurately gauges the amount of these clotting cells in your bloodstream, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions including bleeding disorders like thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or thrombocytosis (high platelet count). Additionally, it can be used to monitor conditions such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, or liver disease, where platelet levels may be affected.
The ideal or normal platelet count range for males and females generally falls between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. However, it's important to acknowledge that these ranges may slightly differ depending on the laboratory's reference values and other factors including factors like age, gender, ethnicity and overall individual health. Any substantial deviation from this range may necessitate additional medical assessment and treatment. It's advisable to seek guidance from a doctor for the interpretation of platelet count test results and suitable medical advice.
Doctors order a platelet count test for various reasons, including:
1. Routine Health Checkups:
Platelet count is often included as part of a complete blood count (CBC) during routine health screenings to assess overall blood cell counts and detect potential abnormalities.
2. Evaluation of Bleeding or Bruising Symptoms:
Patients presenting with unexplained bruising, petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), or prolonged bleeding following minor injuries may require platelet count testing to evaluate for thrombocytopenia or platelet function disorders.
3. Preoperative Assessment:
Platelet count may be ordered as part of preoperative testing to assess bleeding risk and guide perioperative management, particularly in patients undergoing surgical procedures with a risk of significant bleeding.
4. Monitoring Hematologic Disorders:
Patients with known hematologic disorders, such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or leukemia, require regular monitoring of platelet counts to assess disease progression and response to treatment.
5. Evaluation of Suspected Thrombotic Events:
Platelet count testing may be performed in patients with suspected thrombotic events, such as pulmonary embolism (PE), DVT or deep vein thrombosis, Myocardial infarction (heart attacks), stroke or arterial thrombosis, to assess for thrombocytosis and other potential risk factors.
6. Management of Anticoagulant Therapy:
Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or warfarin, may require regular monitoring of platelet counts to assess for potential thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis as a side effect of treatment.
7. Evaluation of Fever or Infection:
Platelet count testing may be indicated in patients with fever or suspected infection, as certain infectious diseases (e.g., dengue fever, sepsis) can affect platelet levels.
8. Assessment of Bleeding Disorders:
Platelet count is an essential component of the workup for bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, and other coagulopathies.
In conclusion, a platelet count test offers a valuable tool for doctors to investigate a wide range of health concerns, ensuring your blood's clotting function remains optimal.
Platelet Counting Methods:
1. Coulter Principle (Most Common):
a. The blood sample is diluted with a specific solution.
b. The diluted sample is then passed through a small opening in an instrument called a Coulter counter.
c. As platelets and other blood cells pass through the opening, they change the electrical resistance of the solution.
d. The Coulter counter measures these changes and uses them to count and size the platelets in the sample.
2. Microscopy (Less Common):
a. In some cases, Microscopic analysis of blood cells is needed which often involves a blood smear. Here, a drop of blood from the collected sample is placed on a slide and then gently stretched out with a second slide to create a single, spread-out layer.
b. The blood smear is then stained with special dyes to make the platelets more visible under a microscope.
c. A laboratory technician will then manually count the platelets under the microscope.
Receiving Results:
- The turnaround time for receiving your platelet count results will depend on the laboratory. It's usually within a few hours.
- Once the platelet count results are available, your doctor will break them down for you and then have a detailed discussion with you about their implications
Additional Considerations:
- In rare cases, if the results are abnormal, additional tests might be required to investigate the underlying cause.
- If you have any concerns about platelet count tests or have any bleeding problems, consult your doctor.
The platelet count test is generally quick, relatively painless and provides valuable information about a person's platelet levels, helping in the diagnosis and management of various health conditions. Here’s what you can expect if you are scheduled for a blood platelet count test:
- A trained medical professional or lab technician will clean the area (usually the arm) with an antiseptic and carefully pierce a fine needle into the targeted vein in your arm to collect a blood sample.
- The collected blood sample is transferred into a special tube containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting.
- The blood sample is then loaded into the hematology analyzer, which uses electrical impedance or optical methods to automatically count the number of platelets in the collected blood sample.
- The test results are typically available within a day and your doctor will interpret them and discuss them with you.
Most platelet count tests require minimal to no preparation. Here's a quick rundown:
- Typically, fasting is not necessary. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Discuss any medications you are currently on with the medical professional or your doctor. In rare cases, they might advise holding off on certain medications that can affect platelet function or hinder the platelet count results.
- Choose comfortable clothing with loose sleeves that allow easy access to your arm for the blood draw.
Please consult your doctor for personalized advice and instructions before your platelet count test.
A platelet count below 150,000 per microliter signifies thrombocytopenia. A low platelet count or Thrombocytopenia indicates a decreased number of platelets in the blood and impairs the blood's ability to clot effectively, raising the risk of excessive bleeding. Low platelet count causes typically include various factors like certain medications, autoimmune disorders, viral infections, bone marrow issues, an enlarged spleen or even chemotherapy.
Thrombocytopenia typically requires further medical evaluation to get to the root cause of the issue and arrive at the ideal treatment strategy which could involve a combination of medications, transfusions or addressing the underlying condition.
On the other hand, a blood platelet count above 400,000 per microliter signifies thrombocytosis.
Thrombocytosis or a high blood platelet count indicates an elevated number of platelets in the blood, which can increase the risk of abnormal clot formation. It can be caused as a reaction to removal of the spleen or by conditions such as inflammation, infection, iron deficiency anemia, bone marrow issues and certain cancers like leukemia.
In certain cases, a sudden blood loss or post-surgery recovery can cause a temporary increase in platelets. A high platelet count requires medical assessment to identify the underlying cause and manage accordingly, which may involve treating the underlying condition or medications to reduce platelet count and prevent clotting complications.
While some people with thrombocytopenia might not experience any symptoms, here are some common signs of thrombocytopenia to watch out for:
Many people with high platelet counts won't have any symptoms. However, since thrombocytosis increases the risk of blood clots, some potential signs to be aware of include:
Increased risk of clot formation associated with a high platelet count can sometimes lead to more serious conditions including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
These signs and symptoms can vary in severity and may require medical evaluation and treatment.
If you experience one or more of the above mentioned symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor right away to determine the root cause and seek appropriate treatment.
If you are worried about the platelet count test cost or wondering where you can take a platelet count test near you, then look no further than Vijaya Diagnostics. With over 140 centers spanning across 20 cities, finding a Vijaya Diagnostics center near you is easy.
Trusted by millions, our NABL-accredited and ISO Compliant labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology ensure accurate results and transparent pricing for your platelet count test.
Enjoy exclusive discounts by downloading the Vijaya Diagnostics app and booking your platelet count test today. Choose Vijaya Diagnostics - because your health deserves nothing less!
Ans) If your platelet count is abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation, monitoring, or treatment based on the underlying cause and clinical context. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and seek further guidance if needed.
Ans) Platelet count testing is performed to assess platelet levels in the blood. It is used to diagnose and monitor various hematologic disorders, assess bleeding risk, evaluate suspected thrombotic events, and monitor response to treatment.
Ans) Platelet count testing is typically performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC). A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, which counts and sizes platelets in the blood.
Ans) The normal platelet count range is typically between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter (μL) of blood. However, reference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific assay used.
Ans) Thrombocytopenia is diagnosed when the platelet count is below the normal range. It can be caused by various factors, including bone marrow disorders, immune system disorders, medications, infections, and certain medical treatments. Thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Ans) Thrombocytosis is diagnosed when the platelet count is above the normal range. It can be caused by conditions such as inflammation, infection, iron deficiency anemia, cancer, or as a reaction to surgery or trauma. Thrombocytosis may increase the risk of blood clot formation.
Ans) Platelet count testing is a safe and routine procedure. Risks associated with blood collection, such as minor bruising or discomfort at the site of venipuncture, are rare and typically minor.
Ans) Yes, platelet count testing may be influenced by various factors, including recent blood transfusions, certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs, heparin), dehydration, and recent surgical procedures. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider of any relevant factors before undergoing testing.
Ans) While platelet count testing is an essential component of the evaluation of platelet-related disorders, additional tests, such as platelet function assays and bone marrow examinations, may be necessary to further assess platelet function and diagnose specific disorders. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate diagnostic approach based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results.