What is Platelet Count?

The platelet count test results below and above the normal range of 1,50,000 to 4,50,000 per microliter signify an abnormality. Values less than 1,50,000 indicate thrombocytopenia, leading to bleeding disorders such as haemorrhages, epistaxis, delayed clotting, etc. Values more than 4,50,000 indicate thrombocytosis, which could lead to excessive clot formation in the blood vessels and cause complications such as heart attack, stroke, etc.

You need to get the platelet count test to monitor various health disorders and overall health conditions. You also need this test to diagnose bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, management/treatment of bone marrow disorders, and various cancers. Additionally, you need to monitor your platelet count during various infections such as dengue, chikungunya, etc., as platelet count decreases significantly in these infections.

A platelet count test requires drawing blood from your lower arm while applying pressure on the upper arm via an arm cuff. During the test, a needle is inserted in your vein to draw blood following sterilization of the area, and you might feel mild to moderate pain. The arm cuff is removed once the required blood is drawn in the specialized test tubes. Book an appointment today!

Low platelet count could be due to the following causes:

• The side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Disorders of bone marrow
• Various cancers
• Viral infections such as dengue or chikungunya
• Bacterial infections
• Use of certain medications
• Heavy alcohol use
• Immune thrombocytopenia
• Inherited disorders
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – blood clot formation in small vessels
• Kidney disorders

High platelet count (thrombocytosis) could be caused by various infections/conditions such as:

• Infections following surgery
• Cancers and subsequent infections
• Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sarcoidosis
• Hemolytic anaemia- anaemia destroying red blood cells in various autoimmune diseases
• Spleen removal
• Deficiency of iron
• Excessive loss of blood
• Acute bleeding

A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. At the same time, leukaemia is the cancer of the blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow or lymphatic system that helps your body fight off various infections and are responsible for the body’s immunity. However, platelets tend to decrease in leukaemia; therefore, leukaemia patients must regularly monitor their platelet count. 

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Yes, platelet count starts to return to normal as soon as the cause of the low platelet count is taken care of. In chemotherapy/ radiotherapy, platelet count returns to normal after 4-5 weeks, following discontinuation. In case of infections, platelet count returns to normal value 1-2 weeks after infection is resolved. Similarly, in drug-induced thrombocytopenia, normal values return a few days after discontinuation of the suspected medication.

Usually, platelet count keeps fluctuating, depending upon various factors such as medications, infections, etc. Platelet counts less than 60,000 could indicate a serious underlying condition and have to be closely monitored. If the platelet count dips below 30,000, it is considered an emergency requiring hospitalization, and plasma transfusion might be done. 

Usually, fruits rich in folic acid, iron, vitamin B12, C, D, and vitamin K are known to increase platelet count by promoting the production of platelets. These include:

• Pomegranate
• Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, guava, kiwi
• Papaya and extract of papaya leaf
• Indian Gooseberries (Amla)
• Apricot
• Beetroot

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You can quickly increase your platelet count by diet modifications and adding foods that promote platelet growth, such as milk, fruits (alma, citrus fruits, kiwi, apricot, pomegranate, papaya, papaya leaf extract, etc.), veggies (green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek leaves, pumpkin, etc.), beetroot, beans, etc. You should also discuss with your doctor the medication you might be using. 

An average platelet count range between 1,50,000 and 4,50,000 per microliter is considered normal. Females usually tend to have a higher platelet count than men. Age also affects platelet count, and older adults than 64 years can have an average normal value lower than 1,50,000. Thus, you should consult your doctor before self-medicating. 

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