What should the platelet count be in your blood

Some people may develop a small mark or bruise. Most people feel fine after the test, but some experience mild aching pain at the site of the needle stick for 1 to 2 days.

A technician puts the blood sample into a machine that counts the number of platelets and produces a report of the findings. The test is very safe, and complications are rare. People with bleeding disorders should tell their doctor about any history of bleeding issues. Most people find that the test is only a brief inconvenience and a source of mild discomfort. Hospitals administering the test for emergencies or people about to undergo surgery often get the results back almost immediately.

A high platelet count can happen when something causes the bone marrow to make too many platelets. When the reason is unknown, it is called primary, or essential, thrombocytosis. When excess platelets are due to an infection or other condition, it is called secondary thrombocytosis. Clotting is a natural protection against bleeding. The body produces more platelets during and following an injury.

However, because platelets cause blood clotting, they can also cause dangerous blood clots in the arms or legs. The blood clot may break off or travel to another area of the body. The risk of a blood clot is higher in people who are confined to bed by illness or who cannot move their limbs. 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. Some common reasons that platelets are temporarily elevated include:. A low platelet count can make it difficult for the blood to clot, putting a person at risk of excessive bleeding.

The cause may be due to an inherited tendency to not produce enough platelets, but the cause may also be unknown. In other cases, it is due to an underlying medical condition. If the blood platelet count falls below 20, per mcL, a person can begin bleeding spontaneously. People who experience spontaneous bleeding may require a blood transfusion.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Petechiae Open pop-up dialog box Close. Petechiae Petechiae may look like a rash and usually appear in clusters. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Enlarged spleen Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Thrombocytopenia: Other causes. The Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Feb. Arnold DM, et al. Approach to the adult with unexplained thrombocytopenia. Immune thrombocytopenia adult. Mayo Clinic; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Schedule your platelet donation appointment with OneBlood today. She has a passion for motivating and educating blood donors through storytelling. I am Oneblood Testimonials Video Gallery. About Hosting Submit Hosting Form.

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