Have you ever had a blood test and seen a value called `PLT` on the report? Or do you remember a time when a doctor told you to do a `(Platelet Count)`, that is, a platelet count test? In fact, many people do not have a clear understanding of this `(Platelet Count)`. So today, let's talk about what these platelets are, why this test is so important, how it is done, and what we can learn from the results, in a simple way that you can understand.
What are platelets? Why is this platelet count done?
Simply put, platelets, or in medical terms, `(Thrombocytes)`, are very small cell fragments in our blood. Their main function is to help stop bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Imagine, if you cut your finger, these platelets are what join with other clotting factors (i.e. proteins) in the blood, forming a kind of glue to stop the bleeding. Did you know, there are thousands of these platelets in a drop of our blood!
Often, this platelet count test is done as part of a larger test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC). This CBC test not only looks at the number of platelets in your blood sample, but also at other things like white blood cells and red blood cells. The abbreviation `PLT` on your blood report refers to these platelets.
Now let's see when a doctor would recommend doing a ``platelet count''.
- During an annual health checkup: You can do this even if you just go for a checkup.
- If you suspect that you have low platelets: This is a condition called `(Thrombocytopenia)`.
- If you suspect that you have an increase in platelets : It is called `(Thrombocytosis)`.
It is in cases like this that doctors recommend this test.
How is this platelet count test done?
This is very simple. Let's see step by step.
Do you need to prepare before the test?
In most cases, there is nothing you need to do to prepare for this ``Platelet Count`` test. However, if your doctor is planning to do other tests on the same blood sample, you may be asked to fast for a few hours. Therefore, before donating blood, ask your doctor if there are any special instructions or medications you need to stop.
What happens when you donate blood?
It only takes a few minutes to give blood. You can do this at your doctor's office, a hospital, or a lab.
This is what happens when blood is drawn:
- This is usually done by a nurse or a person specially trained to draw blood (phlebotomist).
- Choose a good vein on the inside of your arm, right under your elbow.
- Then a tourniquet is placed around your upper arm, which helps to push some blood into the veins, making it easier to draw blood.
- The skin is cleaned at the chosen site of the vein, and the needle is inserted. You will feel a slight tingling sensation, like being bitten by an ant, but it only lasts a few seconds.
- A small amount of blood is taken into a small bottle (collection tube).
- Then, the pin and the tightening strap are removed, and a small piece of plaster is applied to the place where the pin was inserted.
Some people are a little afraid of needles. They feel a little nervous before donating blood. It's very normal, so don't worry if you feel that way too. Take a deep breath and relax. It may help to look away from the needle.
What happens after donating blood? Are there any risks?
The actual platelet count happens after you donate blood. It happens in the lab. At the lab, your blood sample is put into a small machine that counts the platelets and other blood cells. This takes about a minute.
In some special cases, the doctor may also do another test called `(Peripheral Blood Smear - PBS)`. This involves taking a small sample of your blood and looking at it under a microscope. Then, the size and shape of the blood cells and platelets can be examined. Because, there are some diseases, which cannot be identified by `(Platelet Count)` alone. For example, in some conditions, not only do platelets decrease or increase, but platelets can also become abnormally large `(giant platelets)`.
This `(Platelet Count)` is a very simple and common test. Therefore, there is no major risk. After donating blood, a little blood may come out from the puncture site. Or it may look like a small bruise on the inside of the arm, and it may hurt a little. But these things usually disappear on the same day as the blood is donated.
What do the results of a platelet count tell us?
Platelet count results compare the number of platelets in a microliter (a very small amount of blood) of your blood to a set normal range. Values outside of this normal range are called "low" (Thrombocytopenia) or "high" (Thrombocytosis).
- Normal platelet level: Between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
- Low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia): Less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
- Thrombocytosis: A platelet count greater than 450,000 per microliter of blood. (Some sources also say 400,000, but 450,000 is usually considered the upper limit.)
The most important thing is, don't panic just because your platelet count is out of this normal range. You'll need to do more tests to find out what's causing it. There can be many reasons for low or high platelet counts. Not all of them are serious, and some don't even require treatment.
What happens if the platelet count decreases (Thrombocytopenia)?
Imagine that your platelet count is low, which means you have a condition called `(Thrombocytopenia)`. What happens then? The main thing is that if you get an injury, you may not have enough platelets in your body to stop the bleeding. Then you can bleed excessively (Hemorrhage)` , sometimes even inside your body. This is a bit dangerous.
However, not everyone with low platelets will develop serious, long-term problems. Sometimes, people with only mildly low platelet levels may not have any symptoms at all. This largely depends on what is causing your platelet count to be low and how low it is. Some of the main causes of low platelets include:
- Autoimmune diseases: This is when our own immune system destroys our own platelets.
- Cancer conditions or cancer treatments: Some types of cancer can cause a decrease in platelet production. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause a decrease in platelets.
- Side effects of some medications.
What happens if the platelet count increases (Thrombocytosis)?
Now let's look at what happens when the platelet count increases too much, that is, in the case of `(Thrombocytosis)`. What happens here is that because there are too many platelets in the body, they can stick together and form blood clots in the blood vessels. Due to such blood clots, the risk of `(Heart Attack)` (Heart Attack) and `(Stroke)` (Paralysis) is increased. The extent of this risk depends on the cause of the increase in platelets.
However, most of the time, this increase in platelets is temporary. For example, let's say you've had major surgery or developed an infection. At times like these, your body may produce a small increase in platelets, which is a normal response. If your doctor suspects this, they will retest you in a few days to see if your platelet levels have returned to normal.
Also, some people have rare blood disorders that are inherited and cause their bodies to produce too many platelets. If this is the case, your doctor will work with you to provide you with the necessary treatment and advice to keep your platelet levels within a safe range.
Does platelet count change with age? At what level should we be concerned?
The average platelet count for a healthy person is between 150,000 and 400,000 per microliter of blood, regardless of age. This is a wide range, meaning that there can be variation even among healthy people. For example, it is normal for your platelet count to drop slightly after the age of 60. However, as long as the drop is within the normal range (150,000-400,000) mentioned earlier, it is not a problem. If your doctor suspects that your platelet count is low, he or she may monitor you more closely.
If we talk about a level of concern, if the platelet count drops below 50,000 per microliter of blood, then you are at increased risk of bleeding even during your daily activities. If your platelet level reaches that level, your doctor will monitor you closely and provide you with the necessary treatment.
The most important thing is, just because your platelet levels are out of the normal range, don't be afraid that you will suddenly bleed or develop dangerous blood clots. Only your doctor can tell you exactly what is causing it and how serious it is.
When should I see a doctor about this?
After you receive your platelet count results, if you have any questions about them or when you will receive them, be sure to ask your doctor.
Most of the time, results are available the same day or within a few days of donating blood. However, sometimes, due to the workload at the lab, it can take up to a week for the analysis and results to be available. So don't worry.
So, what are the most important things we need to remember from this?
Okay, so after this long story, let's summarize the most important things to remember about this `(Platelet Count)`.
- This platelet count is a very common, simple blood test.
- Don't be alarmed if your platelet count is 'low' or 'high' on your report.
- Your platelet levels can also be outside the normal range for many harmless, temporary reasons.
- The most important thing is to discuss these results with your doctor, who knows your health best. He or she can then give you advice that is right for you.
So, I hope you now have a better understanding of this `(Platelet Count)`. Stay healthy!
` Platelets, Platelet Count, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytosis, Blood Tests, CBC, Blood Cells
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