Platelet Count

A platelet blood count measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help heal wounds and prevent excessive bleeding. Platelets count helps to monitor and diagnose certain medical conditions, and also looks for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.

A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. This can be due to cancer treatment and autoimmune disorders. A higher-than-normal number of platelets, called thrombocytosis can be due to certain infections and iron deficiency.

Changes in platelet count could indicate a chronic illness or an issue with the bone marrow; but to diagnose the exact medical condition further testing might be required.