What It Measures
This test measures the number of platelets (thrombocytes) per microliter of blood. Platelets are the first responders to vascular injury — they aggregate at wound sites, form a plug, and release chemical signals that activate the coagulation cascade. The count reflects the balance between platelet production in bone marrow and their consumption or destruction in circulation.
Platelets are small, disc-shaped cell fragments produced by megakaryocytes in bone marrow that play a critical role in blood clotting (hemostasis) and wound healing. A platelet count is a standard component of the complete blood count (CBC) and serves as a key indicator of clotting capacity, bone marrow function, and systemic inflammation.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated platelet counts (thrombocytosis, >400,000/µL) can be reactive or primary. Reactive thrombocytosis is commonly caused by acute infection, chronic inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBD), iron deficiency anemia, surgical recovery, or cancer. Primary thrombocytosis results from myeloproliferative disorders such as essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera. Elevated platelets increase the risk of abnormal blood clot formation (thrombosis), which can lead to stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis.
Possible Symptoms
Often asymptomatic; headaches; dizziness; chest pain; vision changes; tingling or numbness in hands/feet; easy or unusual blood clot formation; erythromelalgia (burning pain in extremities); in severe cases, stroke or heart attack symptoms.
What Low Means
Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia, <150,000/µL) indicate either decreased production, increased destruction, or sequestration. Causes include bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes), autoimmune destruction (immune thrombocytopenic purpura/ITP), viral infections (HIV, hepatitis C, EBV), medications (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, chemotherapy), liver disease with splenomegaly, and nutritional deficiencies (B12, folate). Low platelets increase bleeding risk, from easy bruising to life-threatening hemorrhage.
Possible Symptoms
Easy bruising (ecchymoses); petechiae (small red/purple spots on skin); prolonged bleeding from cuts; bleeding gums; nosebleeds; blood in urine or stool; heavy menstrual periods; fatigue; splenic enlargement symptoms; in severe cases (<20,000/µL), spontaneous internal bleeding.
Risk Factors
Thrombosis (stroke, DVT, PE) with high counts; hemorrhage and bleeding disorders with low counts; cardiovascular disease; myeloproliferative neoplasms; autoimmune disorders (ITP, lupus); liver cirrhosis; splenomegaly; disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); bone marrow failure syndromes; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; gestational thrombocytopenia.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
- •Vitamin B12
- •Folate
- •Iron (if deficient)
- •Vitamin K2
- •Vitamin C
- •Papaya leaf extract (for low platelets)
- •Chlorophyll/wheatgrass
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Maintain a nutrient-dense diet rich in leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- •Address iron, B12, and folate deficiencies through diet or supplementation
- •Limit alcohol consumption — excess alcohol suppresses platelet production
- •Stay well-hydrated to support healthy blood viscosity
- •Exercise regularly but avoid extreme endurance training which can transiently lower platelets
- •Avoid unnecessary NSAID use (ibuprofen, aspirin) which impair platelet function
- •Manage chronic inflammation through anti-inflammatory diet and stress reduction
- •Get regular CBCs to monitor trends rather than single values
- •If platelets are consistently elevated, rule out iron deficiency and chronic inflammation
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 239 Thousand/uL | -20.0 |
| 2025-09-18 | 259 Thousand/uL | -32.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 291 Thousand/uL | +20.0 |
| 2025-07-31 | 271 Thousand/uL | -44.0 |
| 2025-06-27 | 315 Thousand/uL | — |