Knowledge Builders

how are platelet counts measured

by Barney Rodriguez Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).

Full Answer

What foods increase platelet count?

Top 10 Foods to Increase Blood Platelets Count Instantly & Naturally

  • 1. Papaya Papaya is one of the excellent foods to increase blood platelets you should not miss. ...
  • 2. Pomegranate Seeds of pomegranate are loaded with iron that may boost the blood platelet count. ...
  • 3. Wheatgrass If you are looking for the best foods to increase blood platelets instantly and naturally, you should not ignore wheatgrass. ...
  • 4. ...
  • 5. ...
  • 6. ...
  • 7. ...
  • 8. ...
  • 10. ...

What foods lower blood platelets?

These include:

  • Alcohol: Wine, liquor, and regular or nonalcoholic beer can lower platelet counts. ...
  • Refined grains, sugar, and foods or drinks with added sugar: These may cause fatigue and reduce platelet count. ...
  • Some fruits, vegetables, and spices: Quercetin and rutin are antioxidants found in some fruits, vegetables, and spices that can reduce blood clotting. ...

More items...

What is a dangerous platelet count?

What number is a dangerous platelet count? Low: Counts between 100-150 (thousand) are usually w/o symptoms. As the count drops towards 50 more bruising and mucosal bleeding are seen. As the number d... Read More Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

What are the symptoms of an elevated platelet count?

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet

image

How is platelet count calculated?

This estimation factor is then applied to determine the estimation of the number of platelets in the peripheral blood smear. For example, if the mean platelet count per field of view is 10, then the estimated platelet count = 10 x 22 x 109/L = 220 x 109/L.

What is the alarming level of platelets?

Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter. Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.

How is platelets measured in lab?

Platelets are measured per microliter of blood: Normal platelet count range: Between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per microliter. Low platelet count: Less than 150,000 platelets per microliter. High platelet count: More than 450,000 platelets per microliter.

What are the units for platelet count?

The normal number of platelets in the blood is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) or 150 to 400 × 109/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly. Some lab use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about your test results.

What causes platelets to drop?

Conditions that cause blood clots, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), can cause your body to use up all your platelets. This leads to a low platelet count. Infections from bacteria and viruses can lower your platelet count for a while.

Can platelet count increase in a day?

A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 400,000 per microliter of blood. Because platelets only live in the body for about 10 days, your bone marrow creates millions of platelets each day.

How do you count platelets manually?

Prepare and stain a smear on each specimen. For each smear, count the number of PLTs in 10 consecutive OIFs and divide by 10 to get the average number per field. Divide the automated PLT count by the average number of PLTs per field for each specimen.

Can I test my own platelet count?

You can check your Platelet Count levels by buying a home finger-prick blood test kit below. Your sample is then professionally analysed in an accredited laboratory for total reassurance.

What does a platelet count of 70000 mean?

When the platelet count drops to 50,000 to 75,000 per cubic millimetre, and particularly to 10,000 to 20,000 per cubic millimetre, spontaneous bleeding may occur. Thrombocytopenia is associated with blood diseases such as aplastic anemia and leukemia and is attributed to impaired production of platelets.

What does a platelet count of 5000 mean?

The following platelet counts carry the risk of serious bleeding: Between 20,000 and 50,000/µl: There is more risk of bleeding in relation to an injury. Less than 20,000/µl: Bleeding happens even without an injury. Below 5,000/µl: Spontaneous bleeding can be severe and a risk to life.

What is a platelet count of 10?

very low platelet count (10 to 30): you might bleed after very minor injuries that wouldn't normally bleed, bleed for longer than usual, and bruise very easily. extremely low platelet count (below 10): you are at risk of bleeding even without an obvious cause.

Is 1 40000 a platelet count?

Platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 350,000. If the number of platelets is too low, excessive bleeding can occur.

What happens if platelets are high?

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.

Is high platelet count serious?

Platelets are blood cells that stop bleeding by sticking together to form a clot. Too many platelets, however, can cause your blood to become too sticky. In severe cases, thrombocytosis can cause dangerous clots in your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Which is worse high or low platelet count?

A person's platelet levels can change with age, and certain medical conditions can also affect them. A platelet count that is too low or too high can lead to health complications....Normal platelet levels.ResultPlatelet countnormal platelet level150,000–450,000low platelet level (thrombocytopenia)less than 150,0001 more row

What is the most common cause of high platelet count?

Infections are the most common cause of a high platelet count in both children and adults. 2 This elevation can be extreme, with platelet counts greater than 1 million cells per microliter. Most people don't have symptoms if they're experiencing high platelet counts during an infection.

Why are platelets counted?

Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or to look for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.

What is a low platelet count?

A low platelet count is below 150,000 (150 × 10 9 /L). If your platelet count is below 50,000 (50 × 10 9 /L), your risk of bleeding is high. Even every day activities can cause bleeding.

What happens if your platelets are low?

If your platelets are low, talk to your health care provider about how to prevent bleeding and what to do if you are bleeding. HIGH PLATELET COUNT.

How many platelets are in a microliter?

The normal number of platelets in the blood is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) or 150 to 400 × 10 9 /L.

What is it called when your platelets are too high?

A higher-than-normal number of platelets is called thrombocytosis. It means your body is making too many platelets. Causes may include:

Can high platelet count cause bleeding?

Some people with high platelet counts may be at risk of forming blood clots or even bleeding too much. Blood clots can lead to serious medical problems.

What to expect from a platelet count?

Platelet count blood test. What to expect. Platelet count is high. Platelet count is low. Takeaway. A platelet blood count is a blood test that measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help the blood heal wounds and prevent excessive bleeding.

What is it called when you have a high platelet count?

When the reason is unknown, it is called primary, or essential, thrombocytosis. When excess platelets are due to an infection or other condition, it is called secondary thrombocytosis.

Why is my platelet count low?

A low platelet count can make it difficult for the blood to clot, putting a person at risk of excessive bleeding. The cause may be due to an inherited tendency to not produce enough platelets, but the cause may also be unknown. In other cases, it is due to an underlying medical condition.

What test is included in CBC?

A CBC test may include the platelet count test.

What drugs lower platelets?

Medication: Drugs, such as aspirin, H2-blockers, quinidine, antibiotics containing sulfa, and some diuretics may lower platelet count. Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the bone marrow can harm the body’s ability to make new platelets.

How long does it take to get blood drawn?

The test involves drawing blood from a vein in the arm or hand. Obtaining a sample of blood from a vein takes a few minutes and generally causes only minimal discomfort. Occasionally, some people may feel queasy or light-headed while the blood is drawn or shortly after.

Does platelet count decrease with age?

Platelet count also tends to decline with age#N#Trusted Source#N#. A platelet count that is lower than it once was, or that is on the lower end of normal, may not be a cause for concern in an older adult—especially if there are no other symptoms.

What is the normal platelet count?

The normal range of platelets is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. If the result falls within this range, there is no abnormality in the platelet count. Having a number less than normal is called thrombocytopenia, and a level higher than 450,000 is called thrombocytosis. 1

What does it mean when your platelet count is high?

A high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, means there are more than 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having too many platelets can be caused by bone marrow functioning abnormally and producing too many platelets. Thrombocytosis can also occur as a reactive process to iron deficiency, nutritional deficiency, or infection. 4

What Are Platelets?

Inside the bones of the body is the bone marrow, a spongy substance that produces all types of blood cells, including infection-fighting white blood cells, as well as red blood cells.

How many platelets are in a microliter of blood?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. 1

Why is my platelet count low?

The spleen is normally an area in which some of the body’s platelets are stored. If the spleen is enlarged, it may hold onto more platelets than normal, causing platelet counts to be low. The spleen will release the platelets if they are needed though, and they generally still function properly. Sometimes a splenectomy, or surgical removal of the spleen, is required if platelet counts are too low. 5

What is the term for when there are more than normal platelets in the blood?

Thrombocytosis is when there are more than the normal number of platelets in the blood. There are two types of thrombocytosis : primary and secondary.

How long do platelets live?

Platelets have an average lifespan of eight to 10 days. 3

How Is Your Platelet Count Tested?

Platelet counts are evaluated through a blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC. To run a CBC, a sample of blood is drawn. This blood sample is then put into a machine to count all the different types of cells in the blood. These include evaluating the size of the cells as well as the number. The size of platelets is referred to as the MPV, or mean platelet volume. 7

What is the normal platelet count?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (mcL) of blood. Having too many or too few platelets may lead to complications. 1.

What Are Platelets?

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help prevent bleeding. These cells are made in the bone marrow. When a blood vessel becomes damaged, platelets are activated to stick together and to form a clot to seal the blood vessel wall to stop or prevent bleeding. 2

What causes low platelets?

Platelet levels may be decreased for multiple reasons: 6 1 Bone marrow dysfunction: The bone marrow may not function properly and is not making enough platelets. 2 Enlarged spleen: Platelets may sit in the enlarged spleen and not be circulated out into the blood vessels. 3 Liver disease: This can cause platelet dysfunction and spleen enlargement. 4 Immune system destruction: Sometimes the immune system inappropriately sees platelets as foreign and destroys them. 5 Medications: These may include chemotherapy, antibiotics, seizure medication, and blood thinners.

How many platelets are in a microliter?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (mcL) of blood. Having too many or too few platelets may lead to complications. 1

Why are there so many platelets in the body?

In primary thrombocytosis, there is a natural abnormality (such as a gene mutation) in the bone marrow cells that produce platelets. So, too many platelets are being made all the time.

Why is my platelet count high?

A high platelet count may be caused by abnormal stem cells in the bone marrow creating too many platelets. This refers to a condition called primary thrombocythemia, and its cause is unknown.

Why are platelets counted?

Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or to look for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.

What causes low platelet count?

A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Low platelet count can be divided into 3 main causes: 1 Not enough platelets are being made in the bone marrow 2 Platelets are being destroyed in the bloodstream 3 Platelets are being destroyed in the spleen or liver

What is it called when your platelets are low?

Even every day activities can cause bleeding. A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Low platelet count can be divided into 3 main causes: If your platelets are low, talk to your health care provider about how to prevent bleeding and what to do if you are bleeding.

How many platelets are in a microliter?

The normal number of platelets in the blood is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) or 150 to 400 × 10 9 /L.

Is it safe to take blood samples from one person?

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Can high platelet count cause blood clots?

Some people with high platelet counts may be at risk for forming blood clots or even bleeding too much. Blood clots can lead to serious medical problems.

How to do platelet counts?

Platelet counts can be done manually with a commercial diluting system, hemocytometer, and a microscope. These counts are less accurate than automated counts, because platelets can be difficult to distinguish from debris. Platelet clumping will also decrease the hemocytometer platelet count.

What is the platelet count of a hemorrhage?

Very low: The platelet count is below a medical decision limit associated with spontaneous hemorrhage, i.e. <30,000/uL.

Why is thrombocytosis more likely to occur?

Thrombocytosis is usually due to an increase in platelet production and release (in reactive cases, this is likely due to increased thrombopoietin or other thrombogenic cytokines, such as interleukin-6), rather than an increased platelet lifespan.

Why are cat platelets clumping?

Platelet clumping is usually due to a sample collection problem and can be minimized by collecting blood from a large peripheral vein (cephalic or jugular), such that blood flows smoothly into the vacutainer or syringe, and using a 22 or 23 G needle (in a dog or cat). The blood should be mixed with the anticoagulant as soon as possible after collection, by gentle rotation or inversion. Platelet clumping increases with time, so platelet counts should be done as soon as possible after collection to maintain accuracy.

What causes thrombocytopenia?

Causes of thrombocytopenia fall into one or a combination of the following general mechanisms: 1 Artifact of collection (e.g. clumping) 2 Iatrogenic: Hemodilution 3 Decreased production of platelets in the marrow 4 Increased consumption of platelets in coagulation 5 Increased destruction /clearance of platelets by macrophages 6 Sequestration of platelets in the spleen or microvasculature 7 Loss with acute severe hemorrhage

How does ADVIA measure platelets?

The ADVIA measures platelets by flow cytometry based on principles of light scattering. Platelets are identified by their size (< 30 FL, low angle light scatter) and refractive index (n = 1.35 to n = 1.40 or high angle light scatter).

How many oil immersion fields are there in a platelet smear?

In a well-prepared smear, platelets are estimated by counting the average number of platelets seen per 100x oil immersion field in the monolayer. In general, 10 oil immersion fields are counted and the results averaged (this accounts for uneven dispersal of platelets in the smear). Then the following formula is applied (this is a rough guide):

What is a blood platelet count?

Last Modified on January 6, 2020 | 1 comment. A blood platelet count is a blood test that measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help blood heal wounds and prevent excessive bleeding. High or low levels of platelets can be a sign of a serious condition.

How is the amplitude of a pulse determined?

The amplitude of each pulse is proportioned to the volume of the cell which caused it. A threshold circuit ensures only those pulses that exceed the pre-set threshold level are counted. The cell count is determined from the total number of pulses obtained from a measured volume of blood.

How are blood cells diluted?

Blood cells are diluted in a buffered electrolyte solution. A measured volume of the sample passes through an aperture tube (e.g. 100um in diameter) between two electrodes. Interruption of the current by the non-conducting blood cells alters the electrical charge and a pulse is produced.

What is the normal platelet count?

However, methods to enumerate platelets remained inaccurate until the middle of the last century, and the proposed reference intervals for platelet count ranged from 130–350 to 500–900×109/L of whole blood.2

Is platelet count heritable?

Several studies showed that platelet count is highly heritable,14and a few genetic factors responsible for platelet count variability in healthy individuals have been identified.19The importance of genetic background in regulating the concentration of platelets is well illustrated by a recent study of five geographic isolates in Italy,10where mean platelet count in healthy inhabitants of different areas ranged from 220 to 265×109/L. Similar ethnicity-related differences have been observed in the US population,8and even more relevant differences have been described in different African countries.20

What is low platelet count?

A low platelet count is a blood disorder that has a long list of possible causes . It is also known as thrombocytopenia. Reduced platelet content in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot, and wounds can bleed severely with this condition. This can have serious complications in some ...

When does platelet count fall?

Women normally experience a platelet count that varies slightly during the menstrual cycle and can fall near the end of pregnancy.

What is ITP in medical terms?

ITP refers to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is also known as immune thrombocytopenia. The name of the condition relates to bleeding-induced rashes that occur as a result of a low platelet count. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known. In ITP, the immune system attacks platelets.

Why are platelets low?

The level of platelets is usually low as a result of two main factors. Either an underlying medical condition is causing the reduced level, or an individual is taking a medication or substance that serves to reduce platelet count.

What causes low platelets?

Platelets are the component in blood that enables it to clot. Medicines, poisonous substances, heavy alcohol drinking, and even drinks with quinine in them, such as tonic water, can cause low platelet counts. Quinine is also found in tablets for leg cramps. If a doctor finds one of these substances to be the cause of a low platelet count, ...

How long do platelets stay in the blood?

Platelets are not invisible to the naked eye. The bone marrow produces them, and they travel in the blood for an average of 10 days before being destroyed.

What are the causes of thrombocytopenia?

Poisons that can cause thrombocytopenia include pesticides, arsenic, and benzene. The following are antiplatelet or anti-clotting drugs that reduce the platelet count: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, including abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. heparin.

image

Definition

How The Test Will Feel

  • When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
See more on ucsfhealth.org

Why The Test Is Performed

  • The number of platelets in your blood can be affected by many diseases. Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or to look for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.
See more on ucsfhealth.org

Normal Results

  • The normal number of platelets in the blood is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) or 150 to 400 × 109/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly. Some lab use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about your test results.
See more on ucsfhealth.org

What Abnormal Results Mean

  • LOW PLATELET COUNT A low platelet count is below 150,000 (150 × 109/L). If your platelet count is below 50,000 (50 × 109/L), your risk of bleeding is high. Even every day activities can cause bleeding. A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Low platelet count can be divided into 3 main causes: 1. Not enough platelets are being made in the bone marrow 2. Pla…
See more on ucsfhealth.org

Risks

  • There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: 1. Excessive bleeding 2. Fainting or feeling lightheaded 3. Mult…
See more on ucsfhealth.org

References

  • Cantor AB. Thrombocytopoiesis. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 28. Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Platelet (thrombocyte) count - blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:886-887.
See more on ucsfhealth.org

1.Platelet Count - Cleveland Clinic

Url:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21782-platelet-count

29 hours ago A platelet count is usually part of a complete blood count. This test measures the number of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. The bone marrow makes blood cells. When is …

2.Videos of How Are Platelet Counts Measured

Url:/videos/search?q=how+are+platelet+counts+measured&qpvt=how+are+platelet+counts+measured&FORM=VDRE

24 hours ago  · A normal platelet count is between 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (mcL) of blood. This range is generally applicable to all adults. However, research has suggested that …

3.Platelet count blood test: What are high, low, and normal …

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322726

23 hours ago Thrombocyte count. A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are parts of the blood that help the blood clot. They are smaller than red …

4.Platelet Count (PLT) : Purpose, Procedure, and Results

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/platelet-count-plt-5192703

21 hours ago Estimated platelet count/µL = average count in 10 fields x 15,000 For example, if an average field contains 7 platelets, an estimate of 105,000/µL would be appropriate. This value would then be …

5.Normal Platelet Count and Tests for Platelet Disorders

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/normal-platelet-count-5186765

18 hours ago The matter of age-related changes in platelet count was first examined in 1977 by Stevens and Alexander, who measured platelet count in 868 blood donors aged between 18 and 65 years …

6.Platelet count Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Url:https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/platelet-count

24 hours ago

7.Platelet count - eClinpath

Url:https://eclinpath.com/hematology/tests/platelet-count/

31 hours ago

8.Platelet Count Test Procedure and Results | Lab Tests …

Url:https://www.labtestsguide.com/platelet-count-test-procedure

22 hours ago

9.Platelet count and aging - PMC - PubMed Central (PMC)

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040891/

13 hours ago

10.Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia): Causes, …

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314123

31 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9