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: Measures how quickly platelets can seal a small hole in a tube.
- Viscoelastometry: Checks the strength of a developing blood clot.
- Platelet Aggregation: Evaluates the ability of platelets to cluster together.
- Lumi Aggregometry: Detects defective platelets by measuring light generation.
- Flow Cytometry: Uses lasers to analyze proteins on platelets’ surfaces.
- Bleeding Time: Evaluates how long it takes for bleeding to stop after a minor cut.
Platelets Test Price
The platelets test price at Medicover Hospitals is affordable and varies depending on the type of test and location. On average, the cost ranges between ₹300 and ₹2,000. For precise pricing, visit your nearest Medicover facility or contact us directly.
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
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Get A Second OpinionWhat 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 small 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?
- Platelet Count Test: A platelet count test requires no specific preparation.
- Platelet Function Test: 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. Other conditions, medications, or environmental exposure can cause them. The reason is sometimes unknown.
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Book an AppointmentPlatelet abnormalities that are inherited include
Abnormal Platelet Function: Could suggest inherited conditions like von Willebrand disease or acquired disorders caused by medications, kidney failure, or bone marrow diseases.
- 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.
What important information do you need to know about platelet function tests?
Platelet tests are sometimes prescribed along with some of the following blood tests:
- PTT(Partial thromboplastin time test) which measures the time it takes for blood to clot.
- MPV blood test, which measures the size of your platelets
- Prothrombin time and INR test, which checks the body's ability to form blood clots
