Platelet Tests

Platelets, also called as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells required for blood coagulation. Clotting is the process of stopping bleeding after an injury. Platelet testing is classified into two types: platelet count tests and platelet function tests.

A platelet count test determines how many platelets are in your blood. Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count that is lower than normal. This disorder might cause you to bleed excessively after a cut or other type of bleeding injury. Thrombocytosis refers to a platelet count that is greater than usual. This might cause your blood to clot more than it should. Blood clots are hazardous because they can obstruct blood flow.

Platelet function tests assess the capacity of your platelets to form clots. Platelet function tests include the following:

Closure time

This test determines how long platelets in a blood sample take to seal a small hole in a tiny tube. It aids in the detection of several platelet diseases.

Viscoelastometry

This test assesses the strength of a blood clot as it develops. To stop bleeding, a blood clot must be strong.

Platelet aggregation

This is a collection of tests performed to determine how effectively platelets cluster together (aggregate).

Lumi Aggregometry

When specific compounds are given to a blood sample, the amount of light generated is measured. It can assist in determining whether or not the platelets are defective.

Flow cytometry

This is a laser-based test that looks for proteins on the surface of platelets. It can aid in the diagnosis of hereditary platelet abnormalities.

Bleeding time

This test determines how long the bleeding stops after tiny wounds. It was originally used to test for a wide range of platelet abnormalities. Other platelet function tests are now being utilized more often. The findings of the latest tests are more dependable.

Other names

Other names are platelet function tests, thrombocyte count, platelet function assay, platelet aggregation studies.

What are the uses of Platelet Tests?

A platelet count is commonly used to monitor or diagnose diseases that cause excessive bleeding or clotting. A platelet count might be included in a complete blood count, which is frequently performed as part of a routine examination.

Platelet function tests can be performed to determine:

Assist in the diagnosis of some platelet disorders.
Platelet function should be monitored during difficult surgical operations such as cardiac bypass and trauma surgery. These procedures carry a higher risk of bleeding.
Before surgery, ask patients whether they have a personal or family history of bleeding issues.

People who use blood thinners should be closely monitored. These medications may be prescribed to persons at high risk of heart attack or stroke.

One may also require platelet function testing when:

Undergoing a complex surgery
Taking medicines to reduce clotting

What happens during platelet tests?

During the test, a healthcare provider will use a tiny needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a little quantity of blood will be taken as a sample in a test tube or vial. You might feel a slight sting or pain when the needle goes in or out. This normally takes five minutes.

How to prepare for the test?

A platelet count test requires no specific preparation.

You might need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, before having a platelet function test. If this is required, your doctor will notify you.

Is there any risk in the test?

Having a blood test poses relatively no risk or danger. You may experience discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but mostly it will go soon.

What do the findings imply?

If the results shows platelet count is lower than normal (thrombocytopenia), this might mean:

Leukemia and lymphoma are examples of blood cancers.
Mononucleosis, hepatitis, or measles are examples of viral infections.
An autoimmune condition, a condition in which the body attacks its own healthy tissues, including platelets.
Bone marrow infection or injury
Cirrhosis
Deficiency of vitamin B12
Pregnant women are susceptible to gestational thrombocytopenia, a frequent but moderate low-platelet syndrome. It is not known to damage a woman or her unborn child. It normally improves on its own throughout pregnancy or after childbirth.

If your platelet count is greater than usual (thrombocytosis), this might mean:

Anemia is caused by some forms of cancer, such as lung cancer or breast cancer.
IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Rheumatoid arthritis
A bacterial or viral infection

If the findings of your platelet function test were not normal, you may have a hereditary or acquired platelet issue. Although the abnormalities are present at birth, you may not experience symptoms until you are older. Acquired disorders do not appear at birth. They can be caused by other conditions, medications, or environmental exposure. The reason is sometimes unknown.

Platelet abnormalities that are inherited include:

Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary illness that lowers platelet production or causes platelets to operate inefficiently. It can result in excessive bleeding.
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a condition that inhibits the capacity of platelets to cluster together.
Another condition that inhibits platelets' ability to clump together is Bernard-Soulier syndrome.
Storage pool disease is a disorder that impairs platelets' capacity to release chemicals that aid in clumping together.

Chronic conditions that might cause acquired platelet abnormalities include:

Failure of the kidneys
Some kinds of leukemia
MDS (Myelodysplastic syndrome) is a bone marrow disorder.

Important information to know about platelet function tests?

Platelet tests are sometimes prescribed along some of the following blood tests:

PTT(Partial thromboplastin time test) which measures the time it takes for blood to clot.
MPV blood test, that measures the size of your platelets
Prothrombin time and INR test, which checks the body's ability to form blood clots

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do doctors examine platelets?

A platelet count is commonly used to monitor or diagnose diseases that cause excessive bleeding or clotting.

2. What happens when your platelet count is low?

When your platelet count goes below 10,000 platelets per microliter, you may have dangerous internal bleeding.

3. What is a normal platelet count?

In adults, a normal platelet count is from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A platelet count of fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter is considered less.

4. What is a normal platelet count by age?

Platelet count ranges by age.

15–17 years of age: male - 250,000 female - 270,000
18–34 years of age: male - 240,000 female - 265,000
35–49 years of age: male - 245,000 female - 270,000
50–64 years of age: male - 230,000 female - 260,000

5. What does having a high platelet count mean?

Blood clots might form in your blood arteries if your platelet count is too high. This might obstruct blood flow in your body.

6. What foods increase platelets?

Vitamin C-containing foods increase platelets. Vitamin C is essential for immunological function. It also aids platelet function and improves the body's capacity to absorb iron, which is another vitamin required for a healthy platelet count.

7. How can I increase my platelets?

Following are the ways to increase blood platelet count:

Consuming more leafy vegetables.
Consuming more fatty fish.
Increasing folate intake.
Consuming more citrus fruits.
Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods.

8. What is the platelet count test cost?

The cost of the platelet count test is Rs. 100 approximately, depending on various factors.

9. Where can I get a platelet test in Hyderabad?

To get tested for platelet count visit Medicover Hospitals, it provides the best diagnostic facilities in Hyderabad with fast and accurate results.

10. Where can I get the best treatment for low platelet count?

You can get best treatment for low platelet count at Medicover Hospitals, it has the best doctors who are experienced in managing conditions of low platelet count.