What are platelets and what do they do?
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that bud from cells in the bone marrow (megakaryocytes). Platelets form clots when there’s damage to a blood vessel. For example, if you cut your finger, platelets mix with clotting factors (proteins in the blood). Together, they form a “glue” that stops the bleeding.
What is the normal range for platelets?
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. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
What is the main function of platelets?
What is the function of platelets
- the blood. Blood is a viscous liquid that blood vessels fill with, and it rushes through all the body parts as a result of the contraction of the heart muscle, ...
- Blood platelets. ...
- Platelet function. ...
- blood types. ...
What do you need to know about living with low platelets?
Managing Low Platelets
- Avoid medications that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), or blood thinners, unless your healthcare professional recommends otherwise. ...
- Use an electric razor to shave, which may result in fewer nicks and cuts.
- Use extra care when working with sharp objects such as knives or scissors, so as not to accidentally cut yourself.
What are platelets called on a blood test?
0:282:01There are three types of cells red cells white cells and platelets in the blood. These blood cellsMoreThere are three types of cells red cells white cells and platelets in the blood. These blood cells called platelets.
What are platelets medical term?
(PLAYT-let) A tiny, disc-shaped piece of cell that is found in the blood and spleen. Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. They help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count?
Decreased production of platelets Some types of anemia. Viral infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Heavy alcohol consumption.
What does it mean if your platelets are low?
0:045:02So what are platelets platelets are little pieces of cells. And they're little pieces of cells thatMoreSo what are platelets platelets are little pieces of cells. And they're little pieces of cells that are present in the blood. And they actually help to stop or reduce bleeding.
What is the modern term for a platelet?
The medical term for platelets is thrombocytes. A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter of blood. When platelet counts drop below 150,000 it is called thrombocytopenia. This can be a dangerous condition, leading to excessive bruising and bleeding.
What to do to increase platelets?
8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet CountEating more leafy greens. ... Eating more fatty fish. ... Increasing folate consumption. ... Avoiding alcohol. ... Eating more citrus. ... Consuming more iron-rich foods. ... Trying a chlorophyll supplement. ... Avoiding vitamin E and fish oil supplements.
What organ causes low platelets?
You may have a low platelet count for the following reasons.Your body's bone marrow does not make enough platelets.Your bone marrow makes enough platelets, but your body destroys them or uses them up.Your spleen holds on to too many platelets. The spleen is an organ in your abdomen.
What medications cause low platelets?
Heparin, a blood thinner, is the most common cause of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia....Other medicines that cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia include:Furosemide.Gold, used to treat arthritis.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Penicillin.Quinidine.Quinine.Ranitidine.Sulfonamides.More items...•
Do low platelets make you tired?
Fatigue is not a known symptom of thrombocytopenia, so this symptom is probably not directly related. There could be a "unifying" cause, i.e. one problem that causes both low platelets and fatigue, so ask your doctor about that possibility.
What is the alarming level of platelets?
If the platelet count is extremely high, where the platelet count is greater than 1,000 per nanoliter of blood, a higher risk of bleeding is possible.
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.
How do you fix low platelets?
If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid.
What are platelets and what is their function?
1:053:10This clot stops more blood escaping the body. And also prevents nasty pathogens entering our bodyMoreThis clot stops more blood escaping the body. And also prevents nasty pathogens entering our body from the outside.
What does it mean if your 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.
What causes platelets to be high?
Inflammatory conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer or trauma, as well as certain infections and iron deficiency, are common causes of a high platelet count. Treatment is directed at the stimulus, and the platelet count returns to normal once resolved.
What do platelets do for the body?
0:091:47When you donate platelets that's exactly what can happen platelets are tiny cells in your blood thatMoreWhen you donate platelets that's exactly what can happen platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding if you've ever fallen off your bike or cut yourself shaving.
What happens when a capillary ruptures?
When a capillary ruptures, platelets adhere to each other and to the cut edges of the vessel, forming a platelet plug. Blood clotting may be beneficial (e.g., in preventing blood loss from wounds) or may be harmful when it occurs within arteries or veins inside the body (e.g., during coronary thrombosis).
How do platelets contribute to hemostasis?
Platelets contribute to chemical blood clotting and to other aspects of hemostasis. Platelet factors are the chemicals released by platelets to initiate the first stage of (intrinsic pathway) chemical clotting. When a capillary ruptures, platelets adhere to each other and to the cut edges of the vessel, forming a platelet plug. Blood clotting may be beneficial (e.g., in preventing blood loss from wounds) or may be harmful when it occurs within arteries or veins inside the body (e.g., during coronary thrombosis). Blood clotting is a positive feedback cascade that may continue and occlude an unbroken vessel.
What is a thrombocyte?
n. A minute, nonnucleated, disklike cytoplasmic body found in the blood plasma of mammals that is derived from a megakaryocyte and functions to promote blood clotting. Also called blood platelet, thrombocyte. The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
What is a platelet plug?
PLATELET PLUG FORMATION AND CLOTTING. A round or oval disk, 2 to 4 µm in diameter, found in the blood of vertebrates. Platelets number 130,000 to 400,000/mm3. They are fragments of megakaryocytes, large cells found in the bone marrow.
How many platelets are in a megakaryote?
platelet. A fragment of the CYTOPLASM of a MEGAKARYOCYTE 2–4 mm in diameter. Each megakaryocyte produces 1000 to 3000 platelets, which are present in large numbers in the blood-50,000 to 300,000 per cu. mm. Platelets survive for about 10 days and play an essential part in blood clotting. Platelet plasma membranes contain a range ...
What is the role of platelets in the body?
Their primary functions are related to coagulationof blood. Because of their adhesion and aggregation capabilities they can occlude small breaks in blood vessels and prevent escape of blood . They also are able to take up, store, transport, and release serotoninand platelet factor3. Abnormally high numbers of platelets occur in the presence of malignancy, splenectomy, asphyxiation, polycythemia vera, and acute infections. A very low count can occur as a result of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, pernicious anemia, and allergic conditions, and during cancer chemotherapy. Many drugs can cause a toxic decrease in the number of platelets.
What is the difference between thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis?
Thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet count) occurs in acute infections, anaphylactic shock, and certain hemorrhagic diseases and anemias. Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count) occurs after operations, esp. splenectomy, and after violent exercise and tissue injury.
What is the role of platelets in blood clotting?
They form in your bone marrow, a sponge-like tissue in your bones. Platelets play a major role in blood clotting. Normally, when one of your blood vessels is injured, you start to bleed. Your platelets will clot (clump together) to plug the hole in the blood vessel and stop the bleeding.
Why do platelets clump together?
Your platelets will clot (clump together) to plug the hole in the blood vessel and stop the bleeding. You can have different problems with your platelets: If your blood has a low number of platelets, it is called thrombocytopenia. This can put you at risk for mild to serious bleeding.
What is it called when your platelets are low?
If your blood has a low number of platelets, it is called thrombocytopenia. This can put you at risk for mild to serious bleeding. The bleeding could be external or internal. There can be various causes. If the problem is mild, you may not need treatment. For more serious cases, you may need medicines or blood or platelet transfusions.
What is it called when you have a high platelet count?
You may not need treatment if there are no signs or symptoms. In other cases, people who have it may need treatment with medicines or procedures. If another disease or condition is causing the high platelet count, it is thrombocytosis.
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 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 the risk of spontaneous bleeding?
Higher risk of spontaneous bleeding. If the blood platelet count falls below 20,000 per mcL, a person can begin bleeding spontaneously. People who experience spontaneous bleeding may require a blood transfusion. Low platelet count increases the risk of death in people who have recently experienced a traumatic injury.
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 for a needle stick to hurt?
Most people feel fine after the test, but some experience mild aching pain at the site of the needle stick for 1 to 2 days.
What other symptoms might occur with high platelets?
High platelets may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. However, some people who have high platelets may not experience any other symptoms. In these individuals, high platelets may only be detected through routine blood tests.
What is high platelet count?
High platelets is a condition in which the blood contains more platelets than normal. Platelets are small blood cell fragments that assist in blood clotting. In a healthy person, there are usually 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A high platelet count can be identified through routine blood tests.
What is thrombocythemia?
Thrombocythemia is a condition in which high platelets occur as an independent condition without another known cause. In this condition, the bone marrow makes too many platelets. This condition may be inherited.
What does it mean when your platelets are high?
In secondary thrombocytosis, high platelets occurs as a symptom of another disease or condition, such as anemia, infection or cancer. In many cases, high platelets may not produce specific symptoms. In other cases, the elevation in platelet levels leads to the development of unwanted and unnecessary blood clotting throughout the body, ...
What causes high platelets in secondary thrombocytosis?
A wide range of diseases and conditions may cause high platelets including: Anemia (low red blood cell count) Blood loss. Cancer.
How to identify high platelets?
A high platelet count can be identified through routine blood tests. The occurrence of high platelets is divided into two medical categories: primary thrombocythemia and secondary thrombocytosis. In primary thrombocythemia, the cause of the high platelets is not known, and it occurs as an independent condition.
What is the name of the disorder in which blood cells are abnormal?
Myelodysplasia (group of conditions in which the blood cells are abnormal in development or function) Myelofibrosis (disorder that results in scar tissue in the bone marrow) Polycythemia vera (rare bone marrow disorder causing excessive production of blood cells) Reaction to certain medications, including steroids.
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.
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
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
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
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
Why does my thrombocytopenia increase during pregnancy?
Pregnancy: Gestational thrombocytopenia is a fairly common condition during the third trimester due to increased blood dilution, as blood volume continues to increase and platelet counts fail to increase at the same rate.
How to stop bleeding from low platelet count?
If you begin bleeding, follow these steps and contact your care provider: Have a seat or lie down. Try to remain calm. Apply pressure to the wound if you can see it. Apply an ice pack to the site to slow the bleeding.
What causes thrombocytopenia?
Autoimmune conditions: Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause immune thrombocytopenia as the immune system starts to attack itself, destroying platelets in the process. Bacterial blood infections: Bacteremia, or a bacterial infection affecting the blood, may destroy platelets.
What is CBC blood test?
Your platelets are analyzed during a complete blood count (CBC) test, which is a standard panel of bloodwork. Platelet count is one of the measures the CBC delivers. Here is the normal range and concerning levels of low platelets: 1 .
What happens if your platelet count is low?
Call your doctor if any of the following issues increase in frequency, severity, or become worrisome to you: 5 . Pain in your joints, particularly large joints like the knees and hips.
What causes low platelet count?
Nutritional deficiencies: As with anemia, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) can lead to low platelet counts, since the body doesn't have the basic nutrients to create them. Viral infections: Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV may result in decreased production of platelets.
Why do clots clump together?
They are specifically designed for clotting; they clump together to prevent bleeding. If you have low platelets in your blood, known as thrombocytopenia, your ability to form clots and stop bleeding may be impaired.
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 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 ...
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.
What is the protein that holds a clot together?
Activated platelets also release sticky proteins to help form the clot. A protein known as fibrin forms a mesh of threads that holds the plug together.
