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. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What types of blood disorders are there? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. If you have too many platelets, it can increase your risk for clotting. But often your cardiovascular risk has more to do with platelet function than platelet number. Too many platelets, too few platelets, abnormally functioning platelets, and related conditions such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks can be inherited.
There is no concrete answer to that yet. If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor. Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than , platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body normally renews your platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.
Thrombocytopenia rarely is inherited; or it can be caused by a number of medications or conditions. Whatever the cause, circulating platelets are reduced by one or more of the following processes: trapping of platelets in the spleen, decreased platelet production or increased destruction of platelets.
The spleen is a small organ about the size of your fist situated just below your rib cage on the left side of your abdomen. Normally, your spleen works to fight infection and filter unwanted material from your blood. An enlarged spleen — which can be caused by a number of disorders — can harbor too many platelets, which decreases the number of platelets in circulation.
Platelets are produced in your bone marrow. Factors that can decrease platelet production include:. Some conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets faster than they're produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream.
Examples of such conditions include:. Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10, platelets per microliter. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Information developed by A. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Medical Tests. Definition A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood.
How to Prepare for the Test Most of the time you do not need to take special steps before this test. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain.
Why the Test is Performed The number of platelets in your blood can be affected by many diseases. Low platelet count can be divided into 3 main causes: Not enough platelets are being made in the bone marrow Platelets are being destroyed in the bloodstream Platelets are being destroyed in the spleen or liver Three of the more common causes of this problem are: Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation Drugs and medicines Autoimmune disorders , in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue, such as platelets If your platelets are low, talk to your health care provider about how to prevent bleeding and what to do if you are bleeding.
0コメント