This test is also known as a platelet test, thrombocyte count, platelet function test, platelet function assay, and platelet aggregation studies.
A platelet count test calculates the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that help in the clotting process. Clotting is the procedure through which you prevent bleeding after an injury.
If your platelet count is below the average, this can indicate thrombocytopenia. A condition that causes you to bleed excessively after a cut or other type of bleeding injury. If your platelet count is higher than the average, it is a sign of thrombocytosis. A condition that makes your blood clot more than is necessary. Due to their ability to block blood flow, blood clots can be harmful.
This test is often used to screen for conditions that cause excessive bleeding and excessive clotting. It is used to
Analyze specific platelet illnesses.
During difficult surgical operations, such as cardiac bypass and trauma surgery, check platelet function. There is a higher chance of bleeding during these operations.
If a patient has a personal or family history of bleeding issues, you should ask them before surgery.
People who take blood thinners should be monitored. If a person is at risk for a heart attack or stroke, these medications may be given to reduce clotting.
Your doctor might order this test as part of your regular physical checkup. He may also ask for this if he thinks you have these particular conditions:
Thrombocytosis (high platelet count).
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
Your healthcare provider may ask for this test if you show symptoms of too few or too many platelets.
Excessive bleeding after a small cut or injury
Heavy or long menstrual cycles
Bleeding of the nose or gums
Blood in urine or stool
unknown cause of bruising
Petechiae are little red patches that appear on the skin.
Purpura, or purple blotches on the skin.
Weakness
Feeling daisy
Headache
Numb feet and hands
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, schedule a platelet count test.
No special treatment is essential for this test. However, let your healthcare provider know about any medicine or supplement you are taking. These factors might affect your test outcome. Among the medications that may have an impact are:
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
A blood sample is used to conduct this test. Your doctor will draw a blood sample by performing the steps below:
Your medical expert will first clean the puncture site with an antibiotic.
Then, to force blood into the vein, he will wrap the top of the hand in an elastic band.
He is now going to inject a small needle into the vein.
Blood taken with the needle will be placed in a test container for examination.
The blood test process is now complete.
The process of drawing blood has now been completed. Your medical team member will remove the elastic band.
Blood testing poses a small risk to them. Because of the needle's in and out motion, you may experience a pinch of pain and bruise in the area where the needle was put.
A platelet count test does not take very long since it is a simple blood test. The test is often done in less than five minutes. However, your healthcare provider might take a few seconds to find a vein in your hand.
The average platelet count range is 150,000–450,000 platelets per L. If your results are below the normal range, you suffer from thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). If your results are higher than the average range, it indicates you have thrombocytosis (higher platelet count).
These reference ranges differ between laboratories.
Book a platelet count test to learn about your platelet count.
The low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may indicate:
Blood cancer such as lymphoma or leukemia.
A viral illness, such as mononucleosis, hepatitis, or measles
An autoimmune illness occurs when the body attacks its healthy tissues, which may include platelets.
A bone marrow infection or injury
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Cirrhosis
Gestational thrombocytopenia is a frequent but moderate low-platelet disease that affects pregnant women. However, this condition does not harm a woman or the unborn child in any way. Studies show that it gets better during or after pregnancy.
The high platelet count (thrombocytosis) may indicate:
Lung cancer and breast cancer are two examples of cancers.
Anemia
Digestive system inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis.
Infection from a bacterium or a virus
If you are unsure of your test results, see a doctor online.
Sometimes one or more of the following blood tests are combined with platelet testing:
The MPV blood test determines the size of your platelets.
The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test determines how long it takes for blood to clot.
The prothrombin time and INR test assess the body's ability to create blood clots.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to go through the above tests. It will help your doctor with your treatment.