Platelet count

Platelet Count

Platelet count (pronounced: /ˈpleɪtlɪt kaʊnt/) is a medical term referring to the number of platelets in a specific volume of blood. It is a crucial part of a complete blood count (CBC), a common blood test that doctors use to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia.

Etymology

The term "platelet count" is derived from the word "platelet", which comes from the Greek word "platys", meaning "flat", and the suffix "-let", a diminutive suffix in English. The term "count" comes from the Old French "conte", meaning "a count or earl", and the Latin "computus", meaning "computation or calculation". Together, "platelet count" refers to the calculation or computation of the number of flat, small particles (platelets) in the blood.

Procedure

A platelet count is usually performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC). A healthcare provider will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. This sample is then sent to a laboratory, where a machine counts the number of platelets per microliter of blood.

Normal Range

The normal range for platelet count varies slightly among different laboratories. Generally, it 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.

Related Terms

Thrombocytopenia: A condition in which you have a low blood platelet count.
Thrombocytosis: A condition in which you have too many platelets.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): A blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders.