Platelets Count Information, Diagnosis and Care

The smallest part of your blood that regulates bleeding is called platelets. At the location of an injury, platelets clump together to create a clot that stops the bleeding.

 What are Platelets?

Known by another name, thrombocytes, or platelets, are little blood components that aid in clotting. Your body uses platelets, a natural bandage, to halt bleeding.

are special blood cells that serve a crucial purpose. Because platelets regulate blood clotting, they are essential for mending wounds and halting bleeding.

 An excessive bleeding risk may arise from a low platelet count. Having an excessive number of platelets in your blood is also possible. This results in abnormal coagulation leading to a potentially fatal disease.

Also Read: White Blood Cell, Types, Function, Range and More

Where are the Platelets Found?

Both your spleen and blood contain platelets. Platelets, red and white blood cells, and plasma make up whole blood. Because platelets are the lightest part of whole blood, they are drawn to the blood channel walls where they allow plasma and blood cells to pass through the middle, assisting platelets in reaching the site of injury as soon as possible to stop bleeding.

Also Read: Blood Cell, Types and Functions

What do Platelets Look Like?

Little, colorless fragments of cells are called platelets. The word "platelets" comes from the shape in which they originate. Your platelets stick to your blood arteries because of the sticky proteins on their outside. Platelets stretch filaments that resemble a spider's legs when they are actively clotting. To seal the wound and halt the bleeding, these legs come into contact with the broken blood vessels and other clotting components.

What is the Count of Platelets in Blood?

Together with red blood cells (44% total volume), plasma (55% total volume), and platelets (1% total volume) make up your whole blood. Your body contains one platelet for every 20 red blood cells. Tens of thousands of platelets are contained in a single drop of blood.

Where are the Platelets Made?

Your bones' soft tissue, or bone marrow, is where platelets are formed. Platelets are produced by the biggest cells in your bone marrow, called megakaryocytes.

Disorders and Conditions:

How Many Platelets is a Normal Amount?

Your doctor will take a sample of your blood from a vein for a complete blood count (CBC), which counts the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the sample. Adults typically have between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A level of more than 450,000 or less than 150,000 would indicate a higher risk of platelet-related illnesses.

Which Common Conditions Affect Platelets?

An abnormal platelet count can occur in one of two conditions:

Thrombocytopenia: Excessive bleeding and bruising can result from a low platelet count.

Thrombocytosis: Abnormal blood clotting may result from a high platelet count.

What is Platelet Count Very High?

Your platelet count is very high because of aberrant cells in your bone marrow. It is uncertain why aberrant cell formation occurs.

Why do Platelet Levels Seem Too Low?

The following are possible reasons for low platelet count:

• Alcohol use disorder.
• bacterial or viral (HIV, hepatitis C) diseases.
• illnesses triggered by antibodies.
• malignancy or disorders of the bone marrow (anemia).
• larger spleen.
• exposure to chemicals.
• adverse reaction to a medication or treatment.
• Kidney disease or infections.

In most situations, low platelet counts can be improved by treating underlying medical issues.

Which Symptoms Correspond to Platelet Conditions?

The following are typical signs of platelet disorders:

• Bruising.
• Bleeding gums in your mouth or nosebleeds frequently.
• Blood in your pee or stools.
• Hemorrhage inside.
• Bleeding excessively from minor injuries.
• Heavy menstrual cycles.
• Leg edema, tingling in the hands and feet, joint, and muscle pain.
• Severe headaches, dizziness, or weakness.

Diagnosis:

Which Tests Check the Condition of Platelets?

The following tests determine the condition of your platelets:

Complete Blood Count: A blood test determines the quantity of platelets and blood cells that are in circulation throughout your body. This exam assesses your general well-being and can identify a variety of illnesses.

Platelet Count: To determine the number of platelets in a sample of your blood taken for a complete blood count, your healthcare professional will use that sample.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: To assess the condition of the cells in your body that produce platelets, your doctor will take a sample of your bone marrow.

Which Disorders Connected to Platelets are Commonly Treated?

Treatments for platelet disorders often involve:

• Receiving transfusions of blood.
• Using antibiotics or steroids.
• Having a splenectomy (removal of the spleen).
• Using aspirin regularly at low doses.

Care:

If your Blood Platelet Count is Too High, How Can I Lower It?

Your healthcare professional will suggest a treatment plan to address your health condition if your blood platelet count is excessively high. The following are some ways to lower your blood platelet count:

• Taking aspirin every day at a low dose.
• Removing platelets using platelet pheresis from your bloodstream.
• Addressing any underlying health issues.

If your Blood Platelet Count is Very Low, How can I raise it?

There are no particular lifestyle modifications that can raise your platelet count. Treating underlying medical disorders and collaborating closely with your healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your body is the optimal course of action.

How Should your Platelets be Maintained?

You can maintain the health of your blood platelets by:

• Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume.
• Avoid smoking.
• Staying away from hazardous substances.
• Being watchful and attentive to prevent injury.