Platelet Count – When it’s done and Who needs it?

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We have read or heard about Platelet Count many times in medical news or journals, let’s learn more about this. Thrombocytes are cells that can be found in the bone marrow, they are commonly known as platelets. They serve an essential function in our body. Whenever any part of the body suffers an injury, they rush to the site and plug the opening to prevent blood loss. 

A platelet count is a test that measures the number of platelets present in an individual’s blood. Low amounts of platelets could be signs of cancer and other serious illnesses. On the other hand, too many platelets could lead the patient to have a stroke, or clot-forming could happen. The bone marrow is responsible for making blood cells in the body and platelets are a  part of it.

What is a healthy platelet count?

The normal platelet count in an average human is about 150000 to 450000 platelets per microliter of the patient’s blood. Having a lower platelet count than 150000 per microliter is a condition known as thrombocytopenia. On the other hand, having more than 450000 platelets per microliter of your blood leads to a condition known as thrombocytosis.

Purpose of the test:

The primary purpose of a platelet test is to examine your blood’s ability to clot. The test acts as a screening method for any underlying health conditions such as cancer. Platelet disorders are also diagnosed through the test. Furthermore, when medical professionals have to attempt heavy surgeries a platelet count is done to make sure that the patient would survive the surgery.

If the patient has a low number of platelets extreme blood loss can happen which can lead to their demise. The test is also used to monitor the progress of patients undergoing medical treatment. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy patients are often told to do a platelet test to keep track of their recovery process. 

What does it mean to have too few platelets?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition where the patient has an extremely low number of platelets in their body. Symptoms of this condition can be bleeding gums or easy bruising all over the body. There could be many causes of the condition which include things such as:

  • Damage to bone marrow. This could be a result of types of cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. 
  • Leukemia is a type of cancer that causes this to happen in individuals, there is a high mortality rate associated with the disease. 
  • Heavy drinking and consumption of alcohol are other reasons why platelet count could become low. 
  • Viral and bacterial infection in addition to an enlarged spleen is also on the list of the causes which cause thrombocytopenia. 

What does it mean to have a high platelet count?

Thrombocytosis is the condition where the individual has too many platelets present in their blood. There are two types of thrombocytosis namely, essential thrombocytosis and secondary thrombocytosis. The symptoms of this could include blood clots present on the body which are not connected to any injury. Often such clots can lead to heart attacks and even stroke in some cases. Symptoms of the condition can often include: 

  • Easy bruising all over the body
  • Excessive bleeding from small cuts all over the body
  • Bleeding of gums and through nostrils
  • Shortness of breath and strokes could also be the symptoms of thrombocytosis
platelet count high or low

Platelet test results:

There is a test reference range available in each medical institution or Laboratory. Your doctor refers to the referencing range and then draws up the results of your test. Generally, platelet count tends to be a little higher in the following category of humans:

  • Females
  • Younger people

The results of the platelet count test could be expected in the range of a few days to a week. You need to contact your healthcare provider to receive the results. The general results of patients are as follows

  • Normal: having 150000 to 450000 platelets per microliter of your blood
  • Low: having fewer than 150000 platelets per microliter of your blood 
  • High: having more than 450000 platelets per microliter of your blood

There are little to no risks involved with a platelet count test. It’s a simple medical procedure that is performed in many laboratories globally. Light soreness after the needle draws blood from your arm could be expected. 

Platelets are essential cells that are present in our blood. All blood cells are formed by the bone marrow. Platelets help in the clotting of blood when an injury occurs to the body to prevent excess bleeding through the wound. The platelet count test is a very simple medical procedure that is normally a part of your complete blood count test. It could also be recommended to you additionally by your doctor If you show symptoms of any disease which could be arising from a low or high count of platelets.

Also, read How Yogasana helps in boosting Mental Health, here.


Disclaimer

The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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©Dipika Singh. This article is the property of the site’s author. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links are used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dipika Singh (Gleefulblogger). With the right and specific direction to the original content.

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