What does PLT measure in a blood test?

A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in your blood. A lower than normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. This condition can cause you to bleed too much after a cut or other injury that causes bleeding. A higher than normal platelet count is called thrombocytosis.

What is a normal CBC platelet count?

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).

Is CBC and platelet count the same?

While a CBC test measures the total number of red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, a CBC with differential goes one step further to identify and count the number of each type of white blood cell in your blood.

What happens if PLT is high?

Platelets are important for the body as they clump or stick together in response to injury and prevent excessive bleeding. However, an abnormally high platelet count means that clotting could happen spontaneously. Blood clots may occur anywhere in the body, but are most common in the hands, feet and brain.

What does it mean if your PLT is low?

People with thrombocytopenia have low platelet levels. Platelets aid blood clotting (stopping bleeding). When platelet levels are low, you may bruise and bleed excessively. Certain cancers, cancer treatments, medications and autoimmune diseases can cause the condition.

What does a high PLT count mean?

What happens if platelets are low?

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.