Platelet Count (Plt) is one of the components of the Full Blood Count (FBC). It measures the number of platelets in the bloodstream. Platelets are partly responsible for clot formation.

How the Test is Performed

Platelet Count (Plt) is a blood test.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

Platelet Count (Plt) may be requested as part of a Full Blood Count (FBC), for a vast number of possible reasons, or in conjunction with a Coagulation profile (coag), for bleeding or bruising problems. A low platelet count may cause cuts or grazes to bleed for longer than usual, easy bruising of the skin, or excessive bleeding from the gums after brushing the teeth.

Test Results Explained

The medical name for a low platelet count is thrombocytopaenia, and may be due to a variety of causes, including Idiopathic Thrombocytopaenic Purpura (ITP).
Usually, a low platelet count does not result in serious bleeding, unless the platelet count is below 50. Platelet transfusions are only considered in the presence of life-threatening bleeding, or before invasive procedures that may cause serious bleeding, or sometimes when the platelet count is below 10.
A high platelet count is called Thrombocytosis.

Related Specialists

• Haematologist
• General Physician
• General Practitioner (GP)
• Vascular Surgeon
• Intensivist
• Paediatrician
• Medical Oncologist

Related Procedures

• Blood Test (venesection)
• Bone Marrow Biopsy

Related Tests

• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• Coagulation profile (coag), including
• INR Test (International Normalised Ratio)
• APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)

Also Known As

• Platelets
• Plts