A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.
Alternative NamesThrombocyte count
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo preparation is necessary. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Drugs that can lower platelet counts include chemotherapy drugs, chloramphenicol, colchicine, GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, H2 blocking agents, heparin, hydralazine, indomethacin, isoniazid, quinidine, streptomycin, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretic, and tolbutamide.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThe number of platelets in your blood can be affected by many diseases. Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or identify the cause of excess bleeding.
Normal Values150,000 - 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL).
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanA lower-than-normal number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) may be due to:
A higher-than-normal number of platelets (thrombocytosis) may be due to:
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Schmaier AH. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 122.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/31/2011
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (2/13/2011).
A complete blood count (CBC) consist of a few parameters, including but not limited to: Hemoglobine concentration Red cell concentration Platelet concentration White cell concentration This means 2.6 doesn't mean anything since these could be the concentration of only ONE of the above parameters. Please check the lab report again
A white blood cell count of 30,000 is way too high. A normal count is between 4,000 and 10,000. Your doctor will likely run more tests to determine why your count is so high.
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The normal bilirubin count in an adult should be 0.0 mg/dL to 1.4 mg/dL. If you have a high count, it can be caused by an infection, Gilbert's syndrome, hepatitis, and cancer of the pancreas.
A high absolute grans count indicates a variety of things from cancer, kidney failure, infections, heart attacks and also low white blood cell count.
platelet count
What is the Platelet Count Test?
Is a platelet count of 134 with protein in urine normal
Average platelet count for adult is 250,000-450,000
When the platelet count falls to less than 100,000mm3
In the context of a platelet count, K stands for thousands.
Is my platelet count too low at 88
When the platelet count falls to less than 100,000mm3
1 unit prp increases platelet count by 10,000.
A normal platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of circulating blood.
No a normal platelet count is at least 150. You have thrombocytopenia. I have a platelet count of 50, but it had been 6! most haemotologists would not treat a platelet count of 50, theyd watch and wait
What is the normal platelet count for children ages 5 - 10 years