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Platelet Count

Dr. ReshmaLast Updated on 21st March 2022

This test measures the levels of platelets present inside the body. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are important blood cells of the body that are responsible for wound healing. They help form blood clots, thereby controlling any abnormal bleeding. Clotting is the process that coagulates the blood at the injury spot to prevent too much bleeding after an injury. Your body should have 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. So anything lower or higher than the normal range is concerning.

What is the platelet count test used for?What is included in the platelet count test?Procedure for platelet count test.How to prepare for a platelet count test? What types of diseases can a platelet count test detect?How much does a platelet count test cost?What do abnormal platelet count test results indicate?Why book a platelet count test?Platelet count test at home – how does it work?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the platelet count test used for?

A platelet count test is used to diagnose and detect conditions causing excessive blood clotting or bleeding.

Platelet count lower than 150000 causes thrombocytopenia, which leads to excessive bleeding during an injury. Platelet count above 450,000 platelets causes a condition called thrombocytosis, which causes excessive blood clotting, sometimes leading to blockage in blood flow.

What is included in the platelet count test?

The total platelet count test is a part of a complete blood count test. It not only calculates platelets but other blood cells such as

White blood cells(WBCs): cells that fight against antigens and infections.

Red blood cells(RBCs): blood cells carrying oxygen.

Haemoglobin: is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

Hematocrit: measures the proportion of RBCs to the plasma in the blood.

A total platelet count test can be done as a part of a routine blood test or a routine overall body health check-up test.

Procedure for platelet count test.

Our lab technician will arrive at your doorstep and collect your blood sample at a chosen time slot. The sample collection takes only a few minutes.

Procedure to collect blood sample:
The lab specialist will select a vein of your arm and put a tight band around that vein to get the required blood flow.
A needle attached to a collection tube is then inserted into that vein to collect the blood sample.
Once the sample is collected, the specialist will gently withdraw the needle, remove the band, and put the bandage.

The sample is sent to our accredited labs of your choice (made during the booking) for further processing.

Book a platelet count test to check your platelet count!

How to prepare for a platelet count test?

Platelet count is a very simple and basic test. Therefore, you do not need to do any special preparation as such. However, your healthcare professional may advise you to do fasting before sample collection in some cases.

Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you are following so that they can guide you accordingly.

Things to consider after the platelet count test is complete

After giving the blood sample, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:

Keep the bandage for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Avoid lifting or putting weight on your arm for at least a day.
Do not wear tight clothes as they can put pressure on your arm.
Avoid having a hot bath just after the sample collection.
Eat and drink lots of fluid to keep yourself hydrated.
If you experience swelling or discomfort in your arm, apply ice therapy and rest your arm.

● Small bruises are common, and they disappear after some time but, if you are experiencing large bruises, it could indicate a blood disorder or clotting problem.

What types of diseases can a platelet count test detect?

A platelet count test is used to detect the following conditions:

Low platelet counts cause platelet diseases like Bone marrow damage, leukaemia, spleen enlargement, hemolytic uremic syndrome, Immune thrombocytopenia, or any bacterial and viral infections.
Platelet diseases caused by a high platelet count, excessive blood clotting, immune disorders, infections, gene abnormality are responsible for platelet production.
It checks platelet functions for surgeries with a high risk of internal bleeding like trauma surgery and cardiac bypass.
To check the family history of blood disorders in patients.
To monitor the condition of people on blood thinners.

How much does a platelet count test cost?

A platelet count test is done as a part of a complete blood count test. The cost of a platelet count test is different in different states of India. It starts at Rs. 50 in some states and goes upto Rs. 250 in others. So depending on the state, it costs anywhere between Rs. 80 to Rs. 130.

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the platelet count test?

You can expect to get the results for the platelet count test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal platelet count test results indicate?

Any deviation from the normal range of platelet counts will show abnormal test results. The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Increase levels of platelets are known as thrombocytosis:

It may occur under the following conditions:

Anaemia
Infection
Inflammatory diseases, or any other chronic diseases

Decrease levels of platelets are called thrombocytopenia.

It may occur under the following conditions-

Fever
Dengue
During any blood loss in cases of trauma or during any surgery.

*It has been advised to always consult your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is platelet count a definitive test?

The tests that diagnose and establish the presence and absence of any disease or condition with 100 percent surety are called definitive tests.

The platelet count test is not definitive. It could be due to the following reasons:

Doctors can recommend a platelet count test for many reasons.
A little deviation from a normal range may not require follow-ups in all cases.
Based on platelet count, no disease or condition is diagnosed. Doctors often call for additional tests if needed.
Not everyone who has abnormal platelet count develops fever and other symptoms.
Abnormal blood count does not necessarily mean thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis. It could be a result of side effects from medication.

How to read the platelet count report?

Platelets are measured per microliter of blood. The normal platelet count should be in the range of 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. If your report shows the platelet counts within this range, your reports are normal.

If your platelet counts are below 150,000 platelets per microlitre of blood or higher than 450,000 platelets per microlitre of blood. In that case, you should consult your doctor as it is not normal and requires further medical attention.

Result	Platelet count per microlitre of blood
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)	Below 150,000
Normal platelet count	Between 150,000-450,000
High platelet count(thrombocytosis)	Above 450,000

Book a platelet count to check your platelet level

Why book a platelet count test?

This test may be recommended under the following conditions-

As a routine check-up
To detect any platelet disorder.
Before any surgery
For screening of any bleeding disorder
To monitor platelet levels if you are suffering from a disease like dengue.

A platelet count test is a part of a complete blood test. A complete blood test is included in regular body health check-ups, or a doctor can also recommend specifically to check for a particular condition.

You should consider taking a platelet count test in case you develop the following symptoms;

Prolonged non-stop bleeding after a minor injury.
Frequent Nosebleeds
Large bruisings
Red spots of a pinpoint size on the skin
Purpura; purple spots on the skin.
Prolonged and heavy menstrual cycle.
Numbness of hands and feet
Headache
Dizziness
weakness

Platelet count test at home – how does it work?

The platelet count test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with platelet count?

Platelet count is a simple and basic test that does not involve risk.

Sometimes you may face an insignificant amount of bleeding when the needle is taken out or a small bruising and soreness in the arm.

What can affect the results for platelet count?

Platelets are formed in our bone marrow. Certain factors can either decrease or increase the platelet count.

Factors lowering the platelet counts are:

Cancers such as leukaemia
Anaemia
Viral infections; hepatitis C, HIV, etc.
Chemotherapy drugs
Radiation therapy
Excessive alcohol consumption
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Autoimmune disorders

Factors increasing the platelet levels in the body:

Breast and lung cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Viral and bacterial infection
Rheumatoid arthritis

● Surgery or trauma

Book a platelet test to check your platelet level!

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for the platelet count sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my platelet count test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the platelet count test?

Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on platelet count through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What are the infections causing low platelet levels?

Viral, bacterial, or protozoan infection often causes thrombocytopenia. That is why microbial infections like dengue, typhoid, malaria, leptospira, etc. Are present as fever with thrombocytopenia.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause a high platelet count?

Yes, Vitamin D deficiency is negatively associated with platelet counts. The deficiency of vitamin D increases the platelet counts indicating that high platelet levels can cause cardiovascular diseases.

What all body check-up plans include a platelet count test?

Advanced full body check-up (has immunity parameters, organ health evaluation, urine analysis & deficiency checks) ii. Comprehensive full body check-up for men (includes electrolyte profile, urine analysis, diabetes, lipid profile, hormones analysis, cancer screening checks).
Comprehensive Full Body Check- Women (has electrolyte profile, urine analysis, diabetes, lipid profile, hormones analysis, cancer screening checks done).