Blood clotting Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: Blood clotting
Platelet count measures the number of platelets (thrombocytes) in a volume of blood. Platelets are small cell fragments produced by bone marrow that are essential for blood clotting and stopping bleeding. The test detects low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) or high levels (thrombocytosis), which can indicate conditions such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia, bone marrow disorders, leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms, severe infection, or reactive responses to inflammation. Symptoms that prompt testing include unusual bruising, petechiae, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavy menstrual bleeding, or unexplained clotting. Platelet counts vary with age (newborns and infants can have different ranges), pregnancy (mild lowering is common), and sometimes with sex and ethnicity; medications and recent illnesses also affect results.
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Symptom Checker150,000-450,000 /µL OR 150-450 x10^9/L
Q: What is the danger level of platelet count?
A: Normal platelet count is about 150,000–450,000/µL. Mild thrombocytopenia (100–150k) rarely causes bleeding. Counts 50–100k increase bleeding risk with trauma; below 50k significantly raises bleeding risk. Critical thresholds: <20,000–30,000/µL carry high risk of spontaneous bleeding, and especially <10–20k can cause severe bleeding—seek urgent medical care. Counts >450k/µL (thrombocytosis) raise clotting risk.
Q: What happens if my platelet count is low?
A: Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) increases bleeding risk: you may bruise easily, have pinpoint red spots (petechiae), prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual flow. Very low counts can cause dangerous internal or spontaneous bleeding, including in the brain. Symptoms and severity vary; management ranges from observation to medicines, platelet transfusions, or treating an underlying cause. Avoid blood thinners and seek urgent care for major bleeding.
Q: How to do platelet count in a dog?
A: To determine a dog’s platelet count, a veterinarian collects blood into an EDTA tube (gently inverted to prevent clots) and runs a complete blood count on an automated hematology analyzer. A blood smear is checked for platelet clumping; if present, a manual estimate averages platelets in 10 oil‑immersion fields and multiplies by ~15,000. Normal canine counts are about 200,000–500,000/µL; abnormalities prompt further testing.
Q: How many platelets are in pregnancy?
A: Normal platelet counts in pregnancy are similar to nonpregnant adults, about 150,000–400,000 platelets per microliter (150–400 ×10^9/L). A mild decline in later pregnancy (gestational thrombocytopenia) is common but usually stays above 100,000/µL. Platelet counts below 100,000/µL or rapid drops warrant further evaluation for preeclampsia, immune causes, or other problems. Routine antenatal blood tests monitor levels.
Q: What level of platelets is dengue?
A: Normal platelet counts are about 150,000–450,000/µL. In dengue, counts commonly drop below 100,000/µL. Mild–moderate thrombocytopenia is roughly 50,000–100,000/µL; severe is <50,000/µL, with spontaneous bleeding risk rising sharply below ~20,000/µL. Regular monitoring and supportive hospital care are advised for low counts; platelet transfusion is reserved for severe bleeding or very low counts.
Q: What to eat to increase platelets?
A: To support platelet production, eat iron-rich foods (red meat, beans, lentils), vitamin B12 and folate sources (eggs, dairy, leafy greens, fortified cereals), vitamin C–rich fruits (citrus, strawberries) to enhance iron absorption, and protein (fish, poultry, tofu). Some evidence suggests papaya/papaya leaf products may help. Avoid alcohol and highly processed foods. Talk with your clinician before using supplements or herbal remedies.