Platelet Count Test

What are Platelets?

Platelets are the tiny blood cells present in the human body. They help the body to form clots
to stop bleeding. Platelets are the cells that send out signals if one of the blood vessels gets
damaged. They circulate within our blood bind together and then rush to the site of damage to
form a clot and fix the damage.

A normal platelet count of a human ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter
of blood. A condition of having more than 450,000 platelets is called Thrombocytosis.
Thrombocytosis is actually a disorder in which an individual’s body produces too many
platelets. Having less than 150,000 platelets can be known as Thrombocytopenia.
Thrombocytopenia occurs when an individual has a low blood platelet count. Platelet
numbers can be denoted from a routine blood test called CBC or complete blood count. A
complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that is used to evaluate the overall health
and a complete blood count. A complete blood count can detect several disorders. The test is
 essential as it measures several components and features of blood.

 Why are platelets important for the human body?

 Platelets are the components of blood. Their function is to react to bleeding from blood
vessel injury by initiating a blood clot. Platelets are present in the bone marrow. They are
present along with the white and red blood cells. Once the platelets are made and circulated
into the bloodstream, they live for about 8 to 10 days. Platelets are important as they control
bleeding in our bodies. They can be essential for surviving surgeries such as organ
transplants, as well as fighting cancer, chronic diseases or traumatic injuries. Raising the
blood platelet count of a patient reduces the risk of even fatal bleeding during the surgery.

What can be the causes of low or high platelet count?

Several factors can cause an individual’s platelet level to change.

Causes of high platelet counts can be:

  Recovering from an injury or from blood loss
 Recovering from excessive drinking
   Recovering from vitamin B12 deficiency
 Intense physical activity
 Cancer in Lung, stomach or breast.
   Anaemia
 Inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
   Infections like tuberculosis
 Splenectomy: Removal of Spleen

 Causes of low platelet counts can be:

 Viruses like mononucleosis, HIV, AIDS etc.

 Medication like aspirin or antibiotics containing sulpha
 Cancer like leukaemia
 Anaemia
   Infections
 Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and Crohn’s disease
 Chemotherapy
 Poisoning
 Liver Cirrhosis
 Chronic bleeding
 

 What are platelet Count tests?

Platelets or thrombocytes are the small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting.
Clotting is important as it helps to stop the blood after an injury.

Two types of platelet tests can be taken into consideration:

 platelet count test and

 Platelet function tests.

 Platelet Count Test

A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in an individual’s blood. A normal
platelet count of a human ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. 
A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia which is a condition that
causes one to bleed after an injury.  A higher-than-normal platelet count is called
thrombocytosis which makes the blood clot more than one needs. Blood clots can be
dangerous as they block the blood flow.

Platelet Function Test

The Platelet function test checks the platelets' ability to form clots. Platelet function tests
include measuring various aspects. They are

 Closure time: This test screens the platelet disorders and measures the time it takes for
platelets in a blood sample to plug a small hole in a tiny tube.
 Viscoelastometry: This test measures the strength of a blood clot while it forms.
 Platelet aggregometry: This is a group of tests that are used to measure how well
platelets aggregate.
 Lumiaggregometry: This test measures the defects in the platelets and the amount of
light produced when certain substances are added to a blood sample.
 Flow cytometry: This test looks for proteins on the surface of platelets.
 Bleeding time: This test measures the amount of time one bleeds after small cuts are
made in the forearm.

 Why should one go for platelet count tests?

Doctors suggest platelet tests monitor and diagnose conditions that cause too much bleeding
or too much clotting. A platelet count test counts the platelets to get a complete blood count.
One should go for a regular check-up to check the platelet function and proper diagnosis. One
should go for the platelet count test if they have symptoms of having few or too many
platelets. Again, a patient should always go for a platelet count test before any surgery. It is
mandatory to inform the health care professionals about their personal history or if they are
taking blood thinners.
 Are there any signs or symptoms of low or too many platelets?

Both low or high platelet count is problematic. Low platelet count may not be an issue but
serious complications can occur in some cases. If anyone has a low platelet count, an
individual faces signs like nose bleeding, prolonged bleeding for a minor cut, Unexplained
bruising, petechiae that is red spots on the skin, purpura that is purple spots on the skin or
prolonged menstrual periods. If an individual has too many platelets, he or she can feel severe
headaches, weakness, dizziness and numbness in the body.

 How is the platelet count test taken?

Typically, Platelet count tests are done on a blood sample. A healthcare professional takes the
blood sample from the vein using a needle. The needle is inserted and a small amount of
blood is collected into a vial. The sample is then being examined in the lab. The whole
procedure of taking a platelet count test is much easier. However, in some cases, the patient
might feel a little sting or dizziness during the test. They should then immediately inform the
professional.

 Is there any prior preparation for the platelet count test?

There are no such preparations for a platelet count test. One should check the medicines they
are taking and inform the doctor beforehand. Medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen must not be
taken before the test.

 Is there any risk factor of the platelet count test?

There is no such risk involved in having a simple blood test. One might face a slight pain in
the arm or bruises where the needle was inserted. These are normal and not be worried about.

 Results of the platelet count test

An individual’s platelet count may change with age or any certain medical conditions. Both
high or low platelet counts can lead to health complications. The following table shows the
range of the count:
  

Result Platelet Count

Thrombocytosis or High more than 450,000

platelet count
 

normal platelet Count 150,000–450,000

Thrombocytopenia or low
less than 150,000
platelet count

If the results show low platelet count or thrombocytopenia, it may denote that an individual
can have cancer or a viral infection. They may include leukaemia, hepatitis, infection in the
bone marrow, Cirrhosis or an autoimmune disease.

If the results show high platelet count or thrombocytosis, it may denote Anaemia,
Inflammatory bowel disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, any kind of lung cancer or even a viral
infection too.
 Is any follow-up test required after the platelet count test?

The answer depends on the results of an individual’s platelet count test. Doctors might order
follow up tests for proper and accurate treatment. These follow up tests may include:

 Complete blood count: If the count does not match the symptoms, then the doctor
may suggest a complete blood count test to confirm the results prior to any
interventions.
 Peripheral blood smear: This involves manually analysing a blood sample and can be
used to confirm an abnormal result on an automated platelet count.
 HIV or HCV test: Low platelet counts are often seen in people who have HIV or HCV
infection. Follow up testing may be to confirm the existence of HIV or HCV.

  Testing the platelet count depends on the certain conditions that are suspected. If an
individual receives an abnormal platelet count result, the doctor can help one to understand
what follow up testing is recommended and why it is so.
 Can the test results be accurate?

The platelet count test is generally accurate. The test results differ from one laboratory to
another. Most platelet count tests are performed in a laboratory using automated instruments.
If an individual’s platelet count results indicate inaccuracy, the test may be repeated using a
peripheral blood smear. In some cases, platelets may clump together resulting in low platelet
counts. Again, abnormal shapes of red blood cells or white blood cells result in abnormal
platelet counts.

How to Increase the Platelet Count?

Platelets are red blood cell that promotes clotting and prevents serious bleeding. Many things
can cause the platelet levels to fall. Here are some tips on how to raise the blood platelet
count with foods and live a better life.

 Eating more greens: Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins that will not directly
raise the platelet levels but can help the blood clot better. Vitamin K is essential for the body
as it produces proteins and eating adequate vitamin K can preserve the body’s ability to stop
bleeding.
   Eating fish: Fatty fish is highly recommendable as it is high in Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is known for forming red blood cells. Salmon and tuna can be added to the diet
to help boost one’s, platelet count.
   Avoiding consumption of Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol can disrupt red blood
cell production in the bone marrow. If damage occurs in the bone marrow, it can decrease the
production of all types of red cells, including platelets. It is best to avoid alcohol entirely if
one has a low platelet count.
 Adding Citrus to the diet: Vitamin C is essential for increasing platelet count. Vitamin
C helps the body to absorb iron, an important component of red blood cell production. To
increase vitamin C consumption, one can add plenty of fresh oranges, lemons, limes and
grapefruit to the diet.
 Increasing folate consumption: Folic Acid is another Vitamin B that can help elevate
platelet levels. Folate supplements deliver folic acid that disrupts the ability of B12 to
function correctly inside the body. To boost one’s folate consumption, one can include
broccoli, Brussels sprouts in the diet.
  How to decrease the Platelet Count?

If an individual is detected with thrombocythemia, he or she needs to take aspirin as it

makes platelets less sticky and the blood is less likely to form clots. Apart from the
medications, one should opt for healthy diets to lower the risk of developing
conditions. Here are some tips on how to lower the blood platelet count with a healthy
lifestyle.

 Eating healthy foods: Eating a varied diet rich in whole grains, vegetables or fruits
can be effective.
 Exercise: Increasing physical activity can be a good option to boost the metabolic
system of the body.
   Avoid Smoking: Smoking is injurious to health as it increases the risk of blood clots
because of nicotine. Smoking causes health issues like heart problems. Quitting smoking is
one of the best options to avoid blood clots from forming.
 Eating raw garlic: Raw or crushed garlic contains allicin. Allicin affects the body's
ability to make platelets. The allicin content in garlic decreases if cooked. So, eating raw
garlic can be fruitful.
     Adding Pomegranates to the diet: Pomegranates contain substances called
polyphenols which have an antiplatelet effect. One can add pomegranates to the diet or drink
fresh pomegranate juice to boosts body function.
     Drinking red wine to reduce clot formation: Although drinking alcohol is bad for
health red wine contains flavonoids, which comes from the skin of red grapes. These
flavonoids prevent the overproduction of cells in the lining of artery walls and reduce the
chances of clot formation.

Conclusion

The platelet count test measures the number of platelets one has in their blood. It is required
to go for the test not because of diagnosing a platelet disorder but for a regular check-up, one
must keep an eye on the health habits.