what level is your platelet count at when doctor suggests treatment

Conclusion: Results from the OKPRN survey documented that patients with isolated thrombocytopenia

and a platelet count of 80,000/μL would infrequently be referred to a hematologist while patients with platelet counts of ≤30,000/μL would almost always be referred, especially if there were bleeding symptoms.

Full Answer

What is the normal range of platelets?

The ideal platelet range is 150,000 to 400,000 per mcL in most healthy people. Low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. High platelet count is known as thrombocytosis.

What is a platelet count?

Platelets are tiny cells made in the bone marrow. Platelets are very important, as they prevent bleeding by forming clots and sealing blood vessels if they become damaged. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (mcL) of blood.

What happens if your platelet count is too high or low?

A platelet count that is too low or too high can lead to health complications. A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia, while a high platelet count is known as thrombocytosis. Tests measure average platelet levels per microliter (mcL) of blood. Below are guideline platelet levels.

What should I do if my platelet count is high?

Someone who has an elevated platelet count because of a recent injury but who must remain in bed may need monitoring to reduce the risk of blood clots as a result. Some temporary conditions can cause a higher than normal platelet count. A doctor may order a retest a few days or weeks later when this happens.

What level of platelets is alarming?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).

How much platelet count is serious?

Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter. Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.

Is 88 a low platelet count?

A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low.

What platelet count requires hospitalization?

A platelet count <150 × 109/L at admission has been associated with higher mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for CAP. At the same time, a platelet count at admission ≥400 × 109/L has been associated with death in patients hospitalized with CAP.

What is normal platelet count by age?

Platelet count remains relatively stable during middle age (25–60 years old) but falls in old age (60+), decreasing by approximately 8 %, or 20,000 platelets/μl, between 50- and 59-year-old subjects and those over 70 years old (Segal and Moliterno 2006).

What is a normal platelet count for a woman?

A normal platelet count in adults ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. When you have a low platelet count, you may have trouble stopping bleeding.

Do low platelets make you feel tired?

Things to know about thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others.

What is the best treatment for low platelets?

TreatmentBlood or platelet transfusions. If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets.Medications. ... Surgery. ... Plasma exchange.

What cancers cause low platelets?

Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone.

Is 50 a low platelet count?

you have a low or very low platelet count (less than 30 to 50) and you are bleeding. you have a low platelet count (less than 50 to 100) and you need to have an operation or other medical procedure that puts you at risk of bleeding.

Is 60000 a low platelet count?

What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia is a condition that occurs when the platelet count in a person's blood is too low. The normal platelet count in adults is 150,000–450,000 platelets per microliter (µl) of blood. A person with thrombocytopenia will have a platelet count below 150,000/µl.

When should I be concerned about low platelet count?

For most people, it's not a big problem. But if you have a severe form, you can bleed spontaneously in your eyes, gums, or bladder or bleed too much when you're injured. A healthy person usually has a platelet count of 150,000 to 400,000. You have thrombocytopenia if your number falls under 150,000.

What to do if your platelet count is low?

If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid.

What to do if you have thrombocytopenia?

If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it. For example, if you have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, your doctor can prescribe a different blood-thinning drug. Other treatments might involve: Blood or platelet transfusions. If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor ...

How long does thrombocytopenia last?

Thrombocytopenia can last for days or years. People with mild thrombocytopenia might not need treatment. For people who do need treatment for thrombocytopenia, treatment depends on its cause and how severe it is. If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it.

What is the purpose of a complete blood count?

Blood test. A complete blood count determines the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample of your blood. Physical exam, including a complete medical history. Your doctor will look for signs of bleeding under your skin and feel your abdomen to see if your spleen is enlarged. He or she will also ask you about illnesses you've had ...

Does alcohol affect platelets?

Alcohol slows the production of platelets in your body. Ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to drink alcohol. Use caution with over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can prevent platelets from working properly.

How is platelet count evaluated?

How Is Your Platelet Count Tested? Platelet counts are evaluated through a blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC. To run a CBC, a sample of blood is drawn. This blood sample is then put into a machine to count all the different types of cells in the blood.

What is a high platelet count?

High Platelet Count. A platelet count of over 450,000/mcL is called thrombocytosis. This can also be further classified into primary or secondary thrombocytosis, both of which are caused by the bone marrow producing too many platelets: 3.

What causes low platelets?

Platelet levels may be decreased for multiple reasons: 6 1 Bone marrow dysfunction: The bone marrow may not function properly and is not making enough platelets. 2 Enlarged spleen: Platelets may sit in the enlarged spleen and not be circulated out into the blood vessels. 3 Liver disease: This can cause platelet dysfunction and spleen enlargement. 4 Immune system destruction: Sometimes the immune system inappropriately sees platelets as foreign and destroys them. 5 Medications: These may include chemotherapy, antibiotics, seizure medication, and blood thinners.

What does it mean when your platelet volume is elevated?

The size of platelets is referred to as the MPV, or mean platelet volume. 7. If the MPV is elevated, that means the platelets are larger than normal. An elevated MPV may be found in the following instances: Heart disease. Artificial heart valves.

What is platelet in 2021?

Learn about our Medical Review Board. Douglas A. Nelson, MD. Published on June 15, 2021. Platelets are tiny cells made in the bone marrow. Platelets are very important, as they prevent bleeding by forming clots and sealing blood vessels if they become damaged.

What are the cells that help prevent bleeding?

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help prevent bleeding. These cells are made in the bone marrow. When a blood vessel becomes damaged, platelets are activated to stick together and to form a clot to seal the blood vessel wall to stop or prevent bleeding. 2.

What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include: 6. Bleeding, such as from the gums when brushing teeth or in the stool. Heavy menstrual cycles.

What to do if your platelet count is low?

If your platelet count is low, the most important thing is to work with your doctor to find out what’s causing your low platelet count and to treat any underlying conditions!

What is low platelet count?

Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) Low platelet count is also known as thrombocytopenia. When there are not enough platelets, the blood doesn’t clot well, which can cause excessive bleeding and prevent wounds from healing properly. Extremely low levels can be life-threatening [ 6 ].

Why is it important to have a platelet count?

A platelet count can be used to: Help diagnose various issues such as bleeding or clotting disorders or bone marrow disease. Monitor a known underlying health condition.

What is primary thrombocythemia?

Primary thrombocythemia is a rare bone marrow disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many platelets

Why are platelets important?

Platelets are vital for blood clotting and wound healing. However, having either too few or too many platelets can cause health issues. Keep reading to learn more about platelets, underlying causes of abnormal platelet counts, and how to improve them.

How long does it take for platelets to rise?

Studies suggest that in people who abuse alcohol, abstaining from alcohol for 2 – 5 days usually leads to a rise in platelet count [ 15 ].

Why are my platelets low?

Platelets can be low for two main reasons: either when there are issues with making platelets, or when they are destroyed faster than normal. Although some people may have an inherited condition, it is most often caused either by drugs or other underlying health disorders [ 5 ].

What is the normal platelet count?

The normal number of platelets is about 150,000 to 450,000 in a blood sample. Having a platelet level greater than 450,000 is called thrombocytosis. 1. Learn more about when to worry about high platelet count. SCIEPRO / Getty Images.

What is the normal number of platelets in blood?

Platelets are made in the bone marrow, which is inside the bones of the body. The normal number of platelets is about 150,000 to 450,000 in a blood sample. Having a platelet level greater than 450,000 is called ...

What causes platelets to rise in the bone marrow?

A mutation in the CALR gene can also cause too many platelets to be made in the bone marrow. 2. Secondary thrombocytosis can also be called reactive thrombocytosis, as the platelets rise in response to something outside of the bone marrow, such as an infection, inflammation, or bleeding. 3.

Why are there so many platelets in the blood?

In primary thrombocytosis —also referred to as essential thrombocythemia—the high number of platelets being made is due to an abnormality in how the bone marrow is making them. A mutation may exist in the JAK2 gene, which causes an enzyme to work too much at making platelets. A mutation in the CALR gene can also cause too many platelets ...

What is the term for a disease that causes too many platelets to be made?

The myeloproliferative disorder that causes too many platelets to be made is called essential thrombocythemia, introduced above.

Why are my platelets elevated?

Though these may seem like significant numbers, it is important to remember that the majority of elevated platelet counts are caused by a reactive process, such as infection or inflammation. Once the cause of the reactive process resolves, platelet counts generally return to normal levels.

Can high platelet count cause blood clots?

It is possible, however, that having high platelet counts can lead to the development of blood clots. Blood clots can potentially form in any blood vessel, but most commonly form in the blood vessels in the arms and legs, or in the blood vessels in the brain. These clots can prevent blood from flowing properly through these vessels, ...

Abstract

Introduction: Primary care physicians are typically the first physicians who see patients with thrombocytopenia. There are currently no data to document which patients who present with isolated thrombocytopenia or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are referred to hematologists. The published ASH Practice Guideline on ITP (

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What does it mean when your platelet count is above 450,000?

He or she will rule out all other causes of high platelet counts to confirm a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia.

What to do if you have thrombocythemia?

Some medications, such as birth control pills, can increase the risk of blood clots in people with essential thrombocythemia . Take a family member or friend along.

What is the best medication for thrombocythemia?

Your doctor may suggest one of the following prescription drugs, perhaps along with low-dose aspirin, to reduce your platelet count: Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea.) This drug is the most common prescription used for essential thrombocythemia.

Can you take aspirin for thrombocythemia?

Lifestyle and home remedies. If you have essential thrombocythemia, your doctor may recommend that you regularly take low-dose aspirin. Aspirin makes platelets less sticky and your blood less likely to form clots. If you're also pregnant, aspirin has a low risk of causing side effects to the fetus.

Is there a cure for essential thrombocythemia?

Although there's no cure for essential thrombocythemia, treatment s can control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Life span is expected to be normal despite the disease. Treatment of essential thrombocythemia depends on your risk of blood clots or bleeding episodes.

Diagnosis

• The following can be used to determine whether you have thrombocytopenia: 1. Blood test.A complete blood count determines the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample of your blood. 2. Physical exam, including a complete medical history.Your doctor will look for signs of bleeding under your skin and feel your abdomen to see if your s...

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