Platelet Count
Platelet Count
Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelet Count
Normal range
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
Platelet Count
Platelet Count
Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelet Count
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
Platelet Count
Platelet Count
Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelet Count
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
150-450 x10⁹/L
150-450 x10⁹/L
Normal range
Platelet Count
Dr. Yiannis Balanos
MBBS MRCGP
The Clotting Champions
The Clotting Champions
Every day, your body relies on tiny blood cells called platelets to prevent dangerous bleeding. These microscopic repair specialists rush to injury sites, stick together, and form protective plugs that stop blood loss. Your platelet count reveals whether you have enough of these lifesavers on standby—or perhaps too many.
Every day, your body relies on tiny blood cells called platelets to prevent dangerous bleeding. These microscopic repair specialists rush to injury sites, stick together, and form protective plugs that stop blood loss. Your platelet count reveals whether you have enough of these lifesavers on standby—or perhaps too many.
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
Discover why low platelets can lead to easy bruising and prolonged bleeding.
Read more
When You Have Too Many on Duty
When You Have Too Many on Duty
When You Have Too Many on Duty
Learn how excess platelets create blood clots that can be a risk for the body and organs.
Read more
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
Explore the conditions that can dramatically alter your body's clotting ability.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Decode your platelet count and know what your platelet count means for your bleeding and clotting risk.
Read more
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
Low platelet count, medically known as thrombocytopenia, occurs when your body has insufficient platelets to effectively stop bleeding. This condition develops through various mechanisms rather than a single cause, and symptoms typically correlate with how severely platelet levels have dropped.
You might notice easy bruising from minor bumps, small red or purple spots on your skin, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. More significant signs include frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy menstrual periods, bleeding gums during routine dental care, or blood appearing in urine or stool. In severe cases with very low counts, spontaneous internal bleeding can occur, though this is very rare.
Low platelet counts result from three main reasons: decreased production in the bone marrow, increased turnover through autoimmune conditions or a large spleen, or excessive loss through bleeding. The underlying cause determines both the severity of symptoms and the appropriate management approach.
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
Low platelet count, medically known as thrombocytopenia, occurs when your body has insufficient platelets to effectively stop bleeding. This condition develops through various mechanisms rather than a single cause, and symptoms typically correlate with how severely platelet levels have dropped.
You might notice easy bruising from minor bumps, small red or purple spots on your skin, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. More significant signs include frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy menstrual periods, bleeding gums during routine dental care, or blood appearing in urine or stool. In severe cases with very low counts, spontaneous internal bleeding can occur, though this is very rare.
Low platelet counts result from three main reasons: decreased production in the bone marrow, increased turnover through autoimmune conditions or a large spleen, or excessive loss through bleeding. The underlying cause determines both the severity of symptoms and the appropriate management approach.
When Your Repair Crew Is Short-Staffed
Low platelet count, medically known as thrombocytopenia, occurs when your body has insufficient platelets to effectively stop bleeding. This condition develops through various mechanisms rather than a single cause, and symptoms typically correlate with how severely platelet levels have dropped.
You might notice easy bruising from minor bumps, small red or purple spots on your skin, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. More significant signs include frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy menstrual periods, bleeding gums during routine dental care, or blood appearing in urine or stool. In severe cases with very low counts, spontaneous internal bleeding can occur, though this is very rare.
Low platelet counts result from three main reasons: decreased production in the bone marrow, increased turnover through autoimmune conditions or a large spleen, or excessive loss through bleeding. The underlying cause determines both the severity of symptoms and the appropriate management approach.
When You Have Too Many on Duty
High platelet count, called thrombocytosis, means your blood contains more platelets than normal, potentially increasing your risk of abnormal clot formation. However, not everyone with elevated platelets experiences symptoms, and most people remain completely asymptomatic.
When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort, or visual disturbances if clots affect circulation to vital organs. Some individuals experience burning or tingling sensations in their hands and feet, particularly after exposure to warm water. The most serious concern involves increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, or long clots, though these complications are relatively rare.
High platelet counts can result from bone marrow disorders like essential thrombocythaemia, or in reaction to another underlying cause, such as inflammatory conditions, infections, bodily trauma, iron deficiency, or more rarely, cancers. Reactive thrombocytosis is more common and often resolves when the underlying condition is treated or improves by itself.
When You Have Too Many on Duty
High platelet count, called thrombocytosis, means your blood contains more platelets than normal, potentially increasing your risk of abnormal clot formation. However, not everyone with elevated platelets experiences symptoms, and most people remain completely asymptomatic.
When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort, or visual disturbances if clots affect circulation to vital organs. Some individuals experience burning or tingling sensations in their hands and feet, particularly after exposure to warm water. The most serious concern involves increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, or long clots, though these complications are relatively rare.
High platelet counts can result from bone marrow disorders like essential thrombocythaemia, or in reaction to another underlying cause, such as inflammatory conditions, infections, bodily trauma, iron deficiency, or more rarely, cancers. Reactive thrombocytosis is more common and often resolves when the underlying condition is treated or improves by itself.
When You Have Too Many on Duty
High platelet count, called thrombocytosis, means your blood contains more platelets than normal, potentially increasing your risk of abnormal clot formation. However, not everyone with elevated platelets experiences symptoms, and most people remain completely asymptomatic.
When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort, or visual disturbances if clots affect circulation to vital organs. Some individuals experience burning or tingling sensations in their hands and feet, particularly after exposure to warm water. The most serious concern involves increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, or long clots, though these complications are relatively rare.
High platelet counts can result from bone marrow disorders like essential thrombocythaemia, or in reaction to another underlying cause, such as inflammatory conditions, infections, bodily trauma, iron deficiency, or more rarely, cancers. Reactive thrombocytosis is more common and often resolves when the underlying condition is treated or improves by itself.
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
Several factors influence platelet production and turnover within your body. Low platelet counts can result from autoimmune conditions, certain medications including some blood thinners, viral infections, or conditions like an enlarged spleen. Bone marrow disorders, cancer treatments, excessive alcohol consumption, and occasionally pregnancy can also reduce platelet numbers.
High platelet counts often occur secondary to inflammatory conditions, active infections, iron deficiency anaemia, or more rarely, certain cancers that stimulate increased production. Some medications and bone marrow disorders can also increase platelet numbers.
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
Several factors influence platelet production and turnover within your body. Low platelet counts can result from autoimmune conditions, certain medications including some blood thinners, viral infections, or conditions like an enlarged spleen. Bone marrow disorders, cancer treatments, excessive alcohol consumption, and occasionally pregnancy can also reduce platelet numbers.
High platelet counts often occur secondary to inflammatory conditions, active infections, iron deficiency anaemia, or more rarely, certain cancers that stimulate increased production. Some medications and bone marrow disorders can also increase platelet numbers.
What Affects Your Platelet Production?
Several factors influence platelet production and turnover within your body. Low platelet counts can result from autoimmune conditions, certain medications including some blood thinners, viral infections, or conditions like an enlarged spleen. Bone marrow disorders, cancer treatments, excessive alcohol consumption, and occasionally pregnancy can also reduce platelet numbers.
High platelet counts often occur secondary to inflammatory conditions, active infections, iron deficiency anaemia, or more rarely, certain cancers that stimulate increased production. Some medications and bone marrow disorders can also increase platelet numbers.
Understanding Your Results
Platelet count is measured in thousands per microlitre (×10⁹/L) as part of your full blood count:
Normal range: 150-450 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets): Below 150 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytosis (high platelets): Above 450 ×10⁹/L
The clinical significance of abnormal platelet counts depends on the degree of abnormality and underlying cause. Severe thrombocytopenia below 50 ×10⁹/L increases bleeding risk, whilst counts below 20 ×10⁹/L may require immediate medical attention. For thrombocytosis, very high counts above 1000 ×10⁹/L warrant investigation, though issues can occur at lesser elevations.
Your healthcare provider will consider your platelet count alongside other blood parameters, medical history, current medications, and clinical symptoms. Additional testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of abnormal levels, particularly for persistent abnormalities or when accompanied by other blood count changes.
Understanding Your Results
Platelet count is measured in thousands per microlitre (×10⁹/L) as part of your full blood count:
Normal range: 150-450 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets): Below 150 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytosis (high platelets): Above 450 ×10⁹/L
The clinical significance of abnormal platelet counts depends on the degree of abnormality and underlying cause. Severe thrombocytopenia below 50 ×10⁹/L increases bleeding risk, whilst counts below 20 ×10⁹/L may require immediate medical attention. For thrombocytosis, very high counts above 1000 ×10⁹/L warrant investigation, though issues can occur at lesser elevations.
Your healthcare provider will consider your platelet count alongside other blood parameters, medical history, current medications, and clinical symptoms. Additional testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of abnormal levels, particularly for persistent abnormalities or when accompanied by other blood count changes.
Understanding Your Results
Platelet count is measured in thousands per microlitre (×10⁹/L) as part of your full blood count:
Normal range: 150-450 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets): Below 150 ×10⁹/L
Thrombocytosis (high platelets): Above 450 ×10⁹/L
The clinical significance of abnormal platelet counts depends on the degree of abnormality and underlying cause. Severe thrombocytopenia below 50 ×10⁹/L increases bleeding risk, whilst counts below 20 ×10⁹/L may require immediate medical attention. For thrombocytosis, very high counts above 1000 ×10⁹/L warrant investigation, though issues can occur at lesser elevations.
Your healthcare provider will consider your platelet count alongside other blood parameters, medical history, current medications, and clinical symptoms. Additional testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of abnormal levels, particularly for persistent abnormalities or when accompanied by other blood count changes.
The Takeaway
Your platelet count is like checking your body's emergency response clotting team. Both low and high counts can pose health risks, though most platelet abnormalities can be effectively managed once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.
Most conditions causing abnormal platelet counts respond well to appropriate treatment. Low counts may improve through treating underlying conditions, adjusting medications, or using therapies that stimulate platelet production. High counts often require monitoring and may need treatments to reduce levels, depending on the underlying cause and individual risk factors.
Don't ignore unusual bleeding patterns, easy bruising, or strange rashes. A simple blood test can reveal whether your body's clotting system is functioning properly.
The Takeaway
Your platelet count is like checking your body's emergency response clotting team. Both low and high counts can pose health risks, though most platelet abnormalities can be effectively managed once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.
Most conditions causing abnormal platelet counts respond well to appropriate treatment. Low counts may improve through treating underlying conditions, adjusting medications, or using therapies that stimulate platelet production. High counts often require monitoring and may need treatments to reduce levels, depending on the underlying cause and individual risk factors.
Don't ignore unusual bleeding patterns, easy bruising, or strange rashes. A simple blood test can reveal whether your body's clotting system is functioning properly.
The Takeaway
Your platelet count is like checking your body's emergency response clotting team. Both low and high counts can pose health risks, though most platelet abnormalities can be effectively managed once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.
Most conditions causing abnormal platelet counts respond well to appropriate treatment. Low counts may improve through treating underlying conditions, adjusting medications, or using therapies that stimulate platelet production. High counts often require monitoring and may need treatments to reduce levels, depending on the underlying cause and individual risk factors.
Don't ignore unusual bleeding patterns, easy bruising, or strange rashes. A simple blood test can reveal whether your body's clotting system is functioning properly.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2019). Guidelines for the investigation and management of thrombocytopenia. British Journal of Haematology.
American Society of Hematology. (2020). Platelet disorders: diagnosis and management. Blood Reviews.
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. (2018). Platelet function and bleeding disorders. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Neunert, C., et al. (2019). The American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Advances.
Harrison, C.N., et al. (2019). Guideline for investigation and management of adults and children presenting with a thrombocytosis. British Journal of Haematology,.
Rodeghiero, F., et al. (2009). Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children. Blood.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2019). Guidelines for the investigation and management of thrombocytopenia. British Journal of Haematology.
American Society of Hematology. (2020). Platelet disorders: diagnosis and management. Blood Reviews.
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. (2018). Platelet function and bleeding disorders. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Neunert, C., et al. (2019). The American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Advances.
Harrison, C.N., et al. (2019). Guideline for investigation and management of adults and children presenting with a thrombocytosis. British Journal of Haematology,.
Rodeghiero, F., et al. (2009). Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children. Blood.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2019). Guidelines for the investigation and management of thrombocytopenia. British Journal of Haematology.
American Society of Hematology. (2020). Platelet disorders: diagnosis and management. Blood Reviews.
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. (2018). Platelet function and bleeding disorders. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Neunert, C., et al. (2019). The American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Advances.
Harrison, C.N., et al. (2019). Guideline for investigation and management of adults and children presenting with a thrombocytosis. British Journal of Haematology,.
Rodeghiero, F., et al. (2009). Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children. Blood.
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Research articles
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