What is PLT Count Blood Test?

A platelet count in blood tests means measuring the number of platelets present in an individual's body. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are made in the bone marrow and are present in the blood to help it clot. A platelet test is part of a complete blood test and measuring platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells.

Individuals willing to know more about PLT count blood tests can continue reading.

As discussed above, a PLT blood test is conducted to diagnose or check if an individual has any blood-clotting related problems. Blood-clotting problems can indicate various disorders like excessive clotting disorder, bone marrow disease or bleeding disorder. It is often a part of a general health check-up.

There are tens of thousands of platelets present in a single drop of blood. Platelets form clots when an individual’s blood vessel undergoes any damage. For example, when an individual cuts his/her finger, platelets present in their blood mix with clotting factors and form a 'glue'-like structure that stops the bleeding.

Although a PLT count is a part of blood tests conducted during regular health check-ups, a platelet count blood test is needed when an individual’s healthcare provider feels he/she has-

• Thrombocytosis (high platelet count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

Apart from that, individuals also take this test before any surgery to assess the risk of bleeding. This test also monitors individuals undertaking treatments such as chemotherapy and blood thinners.

Regular blood tests for platelet count for individuals who are diagnosed with blood clotting conditions allow doctors to check the effectiveness of medication on the increase or decrease of blood’s ability to form a clot.

Too high or too low platelets might lead to health complications. However, an individual's platelet count can change with age and other medical conditions.

Other than knowing what platelet count is in a blood test, individuals must also know how to measure it. A PLT blood test is measured by following a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes. Individuals can visit a hospital or lab, or doctor's office for the test. The lab technician will follow these steps to conduct the test.

Step 1: The technician will select a vein on the inside of an individual’s arm, near his/her elbow.

Step 2: The second step is the technician will put a tourniquet around the patient's upper arm. This tourniquet is a tight band or cord, and it pushes blood down into the veins, which makes it easier to draw blood.

Step 3: The lab technician will then clean the skin around an individual's vein.

Step 4: Then, a needle is inserted into the vein, and individuals might feel some pain and discomfort at this stage.

Step 5: The technician draws the required amount of blood and fills it in a collection tube.

Step 6: Then, he removes the needle and tourniquet and might put some cotton or bandage over the affected area.

A healthy individual’s platelet count normally ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. However, individuals having a platelet count above 450,000 might suffer from a condition known as thrombocytosis. On the other hand, individuals having a blood count less than 150,000 might suffer from thrombocytopenia.

An increased platelet count signifies too much clotting in an individual’s blood vessels, or it might cause too much bleeding when platelets interfere with clotting. It could mean an individual might have these problems -

• Infections
• Might cause cancer
• Problems with genes that control platelet production
• Immune system problems

Symptoms and complications that an individual might face are -

• Shortness of breath
• Weakness, fatigue or dizziness
• Bruising easily
• Excessive bleeding from small cuts, nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Stroke
• Chest pain
• Thrombosis causing blood clotting when unrequired
• Leg swelling

Having a low platelet count can prevent an individual’s blood from clotting. A low PLT count could be the result of -

• Enlarged spleen
• Severe bleeding after an injury
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Kidney infection or dysfunction
• Cancer such as lymphoma or leukaemia
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Haemolytic uremic syndrome which is a disease that destroys platelets
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is a condition that forms blood clots in small blood vessels throughout an individual's body
• Immune thrombocytopenia is a condition that causes bruising or spots of bleeding under the skin due to low platelet count
• Bone marrow damage caused due to cancer treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy

Symptoms that an individual might see if they have a low platelet count are as follows -

• Severe headaches
• Muscle or joint pain
• Weakness or dizziness
• Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
• Blood in an individual’s urine, bowel movements or vomit
• Bruising easily
• Excessive bleeding from small cuts, nosebleeds or bleeding gums

That is all for PLT in a blood test that individuals need to know about. Having either a high platelet count or a low platelet count is hazardous for individuals. Thus, they are always advised to conduct a PLT test if they see any symptoms or signs.