About Platelet Count
Platelet count refers to the number of platelets present in the blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood whose main function is to interact with clotting proteins to stop or prevent bleeding. They are a crucial component of blood clotting and maintaining hemostasis.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
150.0 - 450.0 10^9/L
Women's Optimal Range
150.0 - 450.0 10^9/L
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as thrombocytosis, which can lead to excessive clotting and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
Low
Low levels may be associated with thrombocytopenia, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising, and can be a sign of an underlying condition such as leukemia or an autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms
High
May include headaches, dizziness, bruising easily, and fatigue.
Low
Can include fatigue, prolonged bleeding, petechiae, and easy bruising.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Gauer, R. L., Braun, M. M., & Patel, S. R. (2020). Thrombocytopenia. *American Family Physician*, 102(7), 397-406.
- 2. Provan, D., Arnold, D. M., Bussel, J. B., Chong, B. H., Cooper, N., Gernsheimer, T., ... & Rodeghiero, F. (2019). Updated international consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. *Blood Advances*, 3(22), 3780-3817.
- 3. Neunert, C., Terrell, D. R., Arnold, D. M., Buchanan, G., Cines, D. B., Cooper, N., ... & Cuker, A. (2019). American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. *Blood Advances*, 3(23), 3829-3866.
- 4. World Health Organization. (2021). WHO guideline on the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations. *World Health Organization*.
- 5. Lippi, G., & Plebani, M. (2017). The critical role of laboratory medicine during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral outbreaks. *Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)*, 58(7), 1063-1069.