Platelets are cells in your blood that help blood to clot. They are made in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy can cause your bone marrow to make less platelets and may make you prone to bruising or bleeding.
A count of 129,000 (or referred to as 129 for short) on treatment day is probably fine to proceed with chemotherapy. There are many factors to consider including type and dose of chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor about how your chemo regimen affects your platelet count.
A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter (one-millionth of a liter, abbreviated mcL). The average platelet count is 237,000 per mcL in men and 266,000 per mcL in women. A platelet count below 150,000 per mcL is called thrombocytopenia, while a platelet count over 450,000 is called thrombocytosis. Platelets seem to have a large backup capacity: blood typically still clots normally as long as the platelet count is above 50,000 per mcL (assuming no other problems are present). Spontaneous bleeding doesn't usually occur unless the platelet count falls to 10,000 or 20,000 per mcL. If you have listed yours without zeros, it is high (thrombocytosis). If there are no zeros, I am surprised you could ask this question.
A normal platelet count in a healthy individual is between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter of blood. Ninety-five percent of healthy people will have platelet counts in this range. Some will have statistically abnormal platelet counts while having no demonstrable abnormality. However, if it is either very low or very high, the likelihood of an abnormality being present is higher.
ACT (Activated Clotting Time)
A lower platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, primarily affects the body's ability to form clots, leading to increased bleeding risk. While it does not directly impact white blood cell (WBC) or red blood cell (RBC) counts, the underlying conditions causing thrombocytopenia, such as bone marrow disorders or certain infections, can also affect WBC and RBC production. Consequently, a reduction in platelet count may indirectly indicate or accompany changes in WBC and RBC levels, reflecting overall bone marrow health and hematologic function.
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The PLT (platelet) count blood test measures the number of platelets in a person's blood. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and abnormal levels can indicate various health issues, such as bleeding disorders, bone marrow problems, or certain diseases. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can lead to excessive bleeding, while a high count (thrombocytosis) may increase the risk of clotting disorders. The test is commonly included in routine blood work and can help diagnose underlying medical conditions.
Impossible to count.
It's essential to consult with your oncologist before taking Chantix (varenicline) while undergoing chemotherapy. While Chantix is primarily used for smoking cessation, its safety and effectiveness during cancer treatment can vary based on individual circumstances and specific chemotherapy regimens. Your doctor can provide guidance tailored to your health needs and treatment plan.
PCT stands for platelet crit, which is a measure of the volume occupied by platelets in the whole blood sample. It is used to assess platelet function and can help in the diagnosis of various blood disorders. Low PCT levels may indicate conditions such as thrombocytopenia, while high levels may be present in thrombocytosis.
MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, a measure of the average size of platelets in the blood. It is typically included in a complete blood count (CBC) and can provide insights into platelet production and activation. Larger MPV values may indicate more reactive platelets, while smaller values can suggest decreased platelet production or other conditions. Monitoring MPV can help in diagnosing various blood disorders and assessing overall health.
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No. While veterinarians will treat dogs with cancer using chemotherapy, in general veterinarians do not allow dogs to have the side effects of chemotherapy that are tolerated in human medicine. If a dog starts to vomit, has diarrhea, becomes lethargy or withdrawn, the chemotherapy is reduced or stopped to preserve the dog's quality of life. I've seen over a hundred dogs in chemotherapy and none have had any chemotherapy-related fur loss.