

Autoimmune disorders – such as lupus, can cause increased destruction of platelets.Liver disease – established liver disease is associated with a low platelet count, among other changes to blood cells and proteins.

parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis) Infection and viruses – several infections and viruses can result in a reduced platelet count (e.g.Heparin (an anticoagulant drug) can cause a sudden fall in platelet numbers, this is a rare condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or HIT Drugs/medication – some medications (such as penicillin, gold used to treat arthritis, furosemide, valproic acid and others) can affect platelet production.B12 or folate deficiency – severe deficiency of these B complex vitamins is associated with anaemia and, if severe, can also result in reduced platelet and white cell counts.This is one of the most common causes of thrombocytopenia, diagnosis involves ruling out any other potential cause of a low platelet count Immune thrombocytopenia –an immune condition that causes platelets to be destroyed faster than they should be due.Reduced platelet counts can be found in the following conditions: Thrombocytopenia may be caused by either of two different processes that cause a reduction in the count the bone marrow is not producing enough platelets, or the bone marrow is producing normal amounts but the platelets are being consumed (used) or destroyed faster than they should in the blood. In adults the platelet count is usually between 150 and 450 x 10 9/L, which means there are 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microlitre of blood.Ī low platelet count (less than 150x10 9/L) may also be referred to as ‘thrombocytopenia’. The result is compared to a “normal” range, which represents the platelet count found in 95% of healthy individuals. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? This is a process which may be referred to as ‘venepuncture’. The platelet count is performed on a sample of blood obtained from a vein in the arm using a needle. Specialised tests, called the platelet function tests, are used when there is suspicion of a platelet function defect. The platelet count simply provides information on the number of these cells that are present in blood it does not reveal if these cells are functioning properly. On the other hand, too many platelets can increase the risk of blood clots that can block blood vessels and cause organ damage. If there are too few platelets, or if the platelets that are present don’t function properly, then there may be problems with blood clot formation. Platelets are very important for efficient blood coagulation and preventing unnecessary or excessive blood loss. These small, disc-shaped cells usually live for around 5-10 days in the blood before they are destroyed. They are the first cells to be recruited to sites of injury and, when activated, they clump together (aggregate), sealing the blood vessel and forming a blood clot. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and released into the blood where they play an important role in coagulation (blood clotting), helping to stop bleeding when blood vessels are injured. Platelets are small cell fragments and are found in the blood along with red cells and white cells. We are not a laboratory and are unable to comment on an individual's health and treatment. Lab Tests Online-UK is an educational website designed to provide patients and carers with information on laboratory tests used in medical care. If you are concerned about your test results, you will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor so that all relevant information including age, ethnicity, health history, signs and symptoms, laboratory and other procedures (radiology, endoscopy, etc.), can be considered. If the doctor wants to see you about the result(s), you will be offered an appointment. Your GP practice will be able to provide specific details. If you are registered to use the online services of your local practice, you may be able to access your results online. The X-ray & scan results may take longer. Some specialist test results may take longer, if samples have to be sent to a reference (specialist) laboratory. On average it takes 7 working days for the blood test results to come back from the hospital, depending on the exact tests requested. Urine Protein and Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio.Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio or ACR.Unvalidated or misleading laboratory tests.Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Antibody.Genetic Tests for Targeted Cancer Therapy.First Trimester (Combined) Screen for Down’s Syndrome and other fetal anomalies.Factor V Leiden Mutation and PT 20210 Mutation.
