Last Updated on February 10, 2025 by Analgesia team
Platelets in Blood In Medical
Platelets are tiny, disc-shaped cells in the blood that help stop bleeding and form clots. They are also known as thrombocytes.
Blood is made up of four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
How platelets work
- When a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to platelets to travel to the injured area.
- Platelets clump together to form a clot that stops bleeding.
- Platelets can also grow tentacles to make contact with the broken blood vessel.
Platelet levels
A normal platelet count for adults is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. This is measured in a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
Low platelet count
- A platelet count below 150,000 is called thrombocytopenia
- People with thrombocytopenia may have trouble stopping bleeding
- Thrombocytopenia can be caused by bone marrow issues, cancer, or certain cancer treatments
- A very low platelet count can be a medical emergency
High platelet count
- A platelet count above 450,000 is called thrombocytosis
- High platelet counts can cause blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack
- High platelet counts can also cause bleeding conditions, like nosebleeds
- High platelet counts can be caused by stress on the body, like surgery or infection
Platelet transfusions
A platelet transfusion is a procedure that involves transfusing a concentrate of platelets into a patient’s body to treat or prevent bleeding.
When are platelet transfusions used?
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- To treat or prevent bleeding in people with low platelet counts or poor platelet function
- To help people who have lost a lot of blood after surgery, an accident, or an organ transplant
- To treat people with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy
Checking platelet levels
A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that measures the number of platelets in your blood.