Platelet Count
Understand Platelet Count for blood clotting and bleeding risk assessment. Monitor coagulation health with precision tracking.
What is Platelet Count?
Platelet count measures the number of platelets per microliter of blood. Platelets are small cell fragments that help blood clot by clumping together and plugging holes in damaged blood vessels, preventing excessive bleeding.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors order platelet count to assess bleeding risk, investigate unexplained bleeding or bruising, diagnose blood disorders, monitor chemotherapy effects, and evaluate bone marrow function. It’s a standard component of complete blood counts.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges for platelet count:
- Normal: 150–400 × 10³/µL
Values below 150 indicate thrombocytopenia (low platelets), while values above 400 suggest thrombocytosis (high platelets).
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)
Reduced counts may indicate:
- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Bone marrow disorders
- Chemotherapy or medication effects
- Viral infections
- Liver disease
- Enlarged spleen
High Platelet Count (Thrombocytosis)
Elevated counts suggest:
- Essential thrombocythemia
- Inflammatory conditions
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Recent bleeding or surgery
- Certain cancers
- Spleen removal
How to Track Over Time
Platelet count monitoring helps assess bleeding risk and bone marrow function. During treatment with medications affecting platelets, regular monitoring prevents dangerous complications. Trends help distinguish between transient changes and persistent blood disorders.
Track your Platelet Count results over time
Upload your lab PDFs and see trends automatically.