platelet (thrombocyte) count (plt) Test

The tiny fragments of cells that are required for normal blood coagulation are known as platelets. Platelets are also known as thrombocytes and are formed in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes. These platelets are released into the bloodstream when the body produces them at frequent intervals. Platelets can survive in the bloodstream for about 8-10 days after which the bone marrow replaces them with fresh ones to maintain a normal platelet count.

Function of Platelets

When a blood tissue or vessel is ruptured and begins to bleed, platelets stop the bleeding using coagulation which helps create a clot around the wound opening. The platelets have a protein on their surface which micro-liter them to stick to each other or the blood vessel walls and carry out the process of coagulation. At such times, it is important for the body to have the right platelet count so that a stable clot is formed and the risk of bleeding is averted. When the platelet count falls to a dramatic low of lesser than 20000 in a micro-litre, blood is unable to clot and leads to excessive bleeding and can cause a life-threatening situation.

A platelet count test or a plt test as it is otherwise known is required to check or diagnose the conditions that can lead to blood-clotting problems. It can indicate various disorders like bone marrow disease, a bleeding disorder or an excessive clotting disorder. A plt examines the platelet count the number of platelets in the blood and is often carried out during a general health examination. This test is useful in determining platelet count normal range for those who are taking medications that could affect the count significantly. It is a useful guide to check if the line of treatment is right for patients with platelet deficiency.

If a person has unexplained bruises on the body, has minor wounds where bleeding doesn’t stop or has bleeding, the doctor may ask for a platelet count test to be carried out. These could be low platelet count symptoms and may need further attention.

• Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often need low platelet count treatment, and hence the doctor may require the PLT test to be done.

• A PLT test is used to detect Cancer of the bone marrow or Leukaemia where cancer cells reduce the bone marrow cells, and the platelet count is drastically lowered.

• Renal or kidney-related diseases can also cause a reduction in platelet count.

• Patients with chronic bleeding ulcers in the stomach have decreased platelet counts, and the test is carried out to initiate the necessary treatment.

• In certain cases, high platelet count can lead to causing lumps which cause blockage in a blood vessel.

The platelet count test price could vary from place to place, and one should carry it out at reputed laboratories only.

Platelet / thrombocyte count test prices vary from one pathological lab to another. However, the platelet thrombocyte count test cost is usually not too exorbitant and is easily affordable. The platelet (thrombocyte) count test cost offered at home also differ from traditional pathological labs. Portea™ provides this test at a price of Rs 100*.

The Platelet Thrombocyte Test is carried out in a similar manner as any other blood test. To know if the patient has plt normal range, a blood sample is drawn out from a vein in the upper forearm. A laboratory then carries out a chemical and a microscopic analysis of the blood sample. The doctor will be able to determine low platelets causes after analysing the report. He will also suggest how to increase platelet count through medication and diet. The normal range for platelets is between 150000 and 450000 platelets per microliter.

Through this article, readers would have got answers to their query “what is plt?” and other associated doubts too. This test is an effective method of preventing the growth of many life-threatening diseases and is reliable in its conclusions.

Platelet Count test prices vary from one pathological lab to another. However, the PLT test cost is usually not too exorbitant and is easily affordable. The Platelet Count (Automated) test cost offered at home also differ from traditional pathological labs. Portea™ provides PLT test at a price of Rs 100*.