How do I prepare for a platelet count?
Most people don’t need to do anything to prepare for a platelet count. In some cases, your healthcare provider may want you to fast (not eat or drink) before the test. Be sure to ask your provider if there are any instructions you should follow or medications to avoid before your blood test.
What happens during a platelet count?
The process to get blood for a platelet count only takes a few minutes. You may get the test at your healthcare provider’s office, a hospital or a lab. A provider called a lab technician usually takes blood samples.
The lab technician:
- Selects a vein on the inside of your arm, near your elbow.
- Puts a tourniquet (tight band or cord) around your upper arm. The tourniquet pushes blood down into your veins, making it easier to draw blood.
- Cleans the skin around your vein.
- Inserts a needle into your vein. You might feel a light stick and some discomfort.
- Fills a collection tube with blood.
- Removes the needle and tourniquet.
- Applies a small bandage to your arm.
A healthcare provider puts the blood in a small machine. The machine counts the platelets and other blood cells in about one minute.
In some cases, your provider may do a blood smear. This is an additional test to examine a small sample of blood under a microscope. A blood smear assesses the size and shape of blood cells.
Are there any risks with a platelet count?
A platelet count is a simple, common test. There are no significant risks. There may be a small amount of bleeding where the needle went into your vein. You might also see some light bruising or feel soreness on the inside of your arm.
What if I’m afraid of having my blood drawn?
Some people feel nervous around needles or before they have their blood drawn. This is natural. Try to breathe deeply to relax yourself during the test. It may help to look away from the needle as your blood is being drawn. You can also talk to someone during the test to distract yourself.
FAQs
A platelet count is a test that measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are cells that help your blood clot. Too few platelets can be a sign of cancer, infections or other health problems. Too many platelets put you at risk for blood clots or stroke.
How do you interpret platelet count results? ›
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia.
What level of platelets is concerning? ›
A low platelet count is below 150,000 (150 × 109/L). If your platelet count is below 50,000 (50 × 109/L), your risk for bleeding is higher. Even every day activities can cause bleeding. A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia.
What does platelet count test for? ›
What are they used for? A platelet count is most often used to monitor or diagnose conditions that cause too much bleeding or too much clotting. A platelet count may be included in a complete blood count, a test that is often done as part of a regular checkup.
What is a normal platelet count as per WHO? ›
A normal platelet count in adults ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. When you have a low platelet count, you may have trouble stopping bleeding.
What is an unsafe platelet count? ›
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. A count lower than 150,000 is considered thrombocytopenia. A platelet count below 20,000 is severe thrombocytopenia. When your platelet count gets too low, it can cause dangerous internal bleeding.
Is a high mean platelet volume good or bad? ›
Doctors may order this test to investigate various conditions. A high mean platelet volume may indicate an increased production of larger, younger platelets, which can be associated with certain health issues like infections or inflammation.
What cancers cause low platelets? ›
Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone.
What is the number one cause of low platelet count? ›
The two main factors that cause low platelet counts are medication side effects and underlying health conditions. A reduced platelet count in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the blood's ability to clot.
Which cancers cause high platelets? ›
Paraneoplastic thrombocytosis can occur with all types of cancer but is especially common with breast, colon, ovarian, cervical, kidney, testicular, and lung cancer. Blood cancers like lymphoma and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are also characterized by abnormally high platelet counts.
A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low. When it's this low, you may bleed even when you are not injured.
What affects platelet count? ›
Infections: Bacterial and viral infections may lower your platelet levels. Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol slows platelet production. Drinking a lot of alcohol may cause your platelet level to drop. Toxic chemicals: Exposure to toxic chemicals, including arsenic, benzene and pesticides, may affect your platelet level.
What is the most common cause of high platelet count? ›
Inflammation or infections: Conditions such as connective tissue disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and tuberculosis can raise your platelet count.
What is a good number for your platelets? ›
Average Platelet Count
A normal platelet count is between 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. For women, the average platelet count is between 157,000 to 371,000 per microliter of blood. For men, the average is between 135,000 to 317,000 per microliter of blood.
What is a good platelet count for a woman? ›
Platelet count ranges by age
| Age (years) | Approximate platelet count (male) | Approximate platelet count (female) |
|---|
| 18–34 | 240,000 | 265,000 |
| 35–49 | 245,000 | 270,000 |
| 50–64 | 230,000 | 260,000 |
| 65–74 | 220,000 | 250,000 |
5 more rowsDec 23, 2022
Their primary function is to prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to platelets which cause them to travel to the injured area. Once the platelets arrive at the site, they clump together to form a clot that helps stop bleeding.
What does platelet count mean in a blood test when it is high? ›
A higher-than-normal number of platelets is called thrombocytosis. It means your body is making too many platelets. Causes may include: Iron deficiency. After certain infections, major surgery or trauma.
What does a high platelet count say? ›
If your platelet count is too high, blood clots can form in your blood vessels. This can block blood flow through your body. Thrombocythemia refers to a high platelet count that is not caused by another health condition. This condition is sometimes called primary or essential thrombocythemia.
