Low or high platelet counts may or may not cause signs and symptoms. Your doctor might also recommend platelet count testing if you have symptoms that are associated with abnormal platelet levels. Your doctor may recommend that you take a platelet count test during a check up as part of a broader screening panel such as a complete blood count. In some cases, automated results need to be confirmed using a peripheral blood smear, which is a method of manually measuring the number of platelets in a blood sample. Measuring a platelet count typically involves analyzing a blood sample using automated laboratory technology. These functions can be affected by disease or medication therapy.

The number of platelets in your blood is important in determining the blood’s ability to form a blood clot as well as your body’s ability to form the cells that become platelets. The results are reported as a number of platelets per microliter. The platelet count measures the number of platelets in your sample of blood. Regularly conducting a platelet count allows doctors to check the effectiveness of medications that increase or decrease the blood’s ability to form a clot. Both high platelet counts and low platelet counts can have associated risks that can range from either not causing any noticeable health problems to being very serious and life-threatening.Ī platelet count test is also used to monitor patients who have been diagnosed with a clotting condition.

The platelet count is used to diagnose disease and to help determine the cause of excess bleeding or clotting.

Monitor you during medical treatments such as blood thinners or chemotherapy.

The platelet count may be conducted by your doctor as part of routine blood testing. While platelet counts are often included on multi-test panels such as the complete blood count, this test can also be done on its own. The purpose of a platelet count test is to assess your blood’s ability or inability to clot.

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