Platelets, the smallest of our blood cells, can only be seen under a microscope. A blood vessel will send out a signal when it becomes damaged. To make contact with the broken blood vessel, platelets grow long tentacles and then resemble a spider or an octopus.
A normal platelet count ranges from , to , platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than , platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than , is known as thrombocytopenia. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count CBC. When there are symptoms, they include spontaneous blood clots in the arms and legs, which if untreated can lead to heart attack and stroke.
In severe cases, the patient might have to undergo a procedure called a platelet pheresis. This lowers the platelet count by removing the blood, separating out the platelets, and returning the red blood cells back to the body.
With secondary thrombocytosis, the symptoms are usually related to the associated condition. A red cell distribution width RDW blood test can help detect the presence of anemia, along with what could be causing it.
The test identifies the…. What do high or low platelet count levels mean? Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. 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.
What is the platelet count test? What to expect. What does it mean when your platelet count is high? Share on Pinterest Platelet levels can temporarily be higher than usual in people recovering from blood loss after surgery. What does it mean when your platelet count is low? Share on Pinterest Chemotherapy can cause low platelet volume. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery?
Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What types of blood disorders are there? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What is microcytic anemia? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What's to know about low MCHC in blood tests? Everything you need to know about thin blood. What does it mean if your RDW is high? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD. If the MPV is elevated, that means the platelets are larger than normal.
An elevated MPV may be found in the following instances:. A decreased MPV means the platelets are smaller than normal. A decreased MPV can be found due to:. Women tend to have higher platelet counts than men do, possibly due to hormonal differences and having menstrual cycles. There have not been found to be differences in the MPV.
If you are experiencing symptoms, such as bleeding or bruising, and are concerned about your platelet counts, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns. A simple blood test can be done to make sure they are normal, and if not, further evaluation may be needed. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
What are platelets and why are they important? Updated May 29, Platelet disorders. Updated May 2, Cleveland Clinic. March 2, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis. MPV blood test. Updated July 31, P latelet count, mean platelet volume and thrombocytopoietic indices in healthy women and men.
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