Definitions for "Platelet count"
The number of platelets in the blood. Advanced liver failure causes platelet counts to drop, increasing the risk of bleeding (see ‘platelets').
Counts below 100,000/ml are significant. Platelets can be counted directly, or numbers can be estimated from the blood smear (5 per oil-immersion field). Decreased platelet numbers (thrombocytopenia) occur with disseminated intravascular coagulation, bone marrow depression, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus and severe hemorrhage. Thrombocytosis (increased platelet numbers) is caused by excess bleeding (from trauma, blood sucking parasites or neoplasia), iron deficinecy anemia and myeloproliferative syndromes.
Platelets are tiny fragments of cells, made in the bone marrow, that circulate in the blood. They function to stop bleeding by sticking together and forming plugs (blood clots). Low platelet levels predispose individuals to excessive bleeding. High platelet counts may occur in pregnancy or after strenuous exercise.
a diagnostic test that determines the
a test that a doctor may order to detect cancer in its early stages