Platelets (PLT)

The role of platelets (PLT) in the body

Platelets (PLT-Platelets) are small non-nuclear blood cells responsible for blood clotting and stopping bleeding.

Main functions:

Formation of a blood clot – clog damaged blood vessels.
Isolation of clotting factors (for example, thromboxane).
Wound healing -involved in tissue regeneration.
Maintaining the integrity of blood vessels -prevent bleeding.

The norm of platelets in the blood test

Group	Normal (×10⁹/L)
Adults	150 – 400
Children	150 – 350
Pregnant Women	100 – 420

Note: References may vary slightly in laboratories.

Low platelets (Thrombocytopenia)

Reasons:

Autoimmune diseases (ITP, lupus).
Leukemias, anemia (aplastic, B₁₂-deficient).
Viral infections (HIV, hepatitis, mononucleosis).
Medications (heparin, chemotherapy).
Massive blood loss.

Symptoms:

Bleeding gums, nosebleeds
Minor subcutaneous hemorrhages (petechiae, bruises)
Long periods
Blood in the urine or stool
Risk of internal bleeding

Elevated platelets (Thrombocytosis)

Reasons:

Chronic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis).
Iron deficiency anemia.
Oncology (especially polycythemia, myeloid leukemia).
Condition after spleen removal.
Dehydration (false thrombocytosis).

Symptoms:

Headaches, dizziness
Numbness of the extremities (due to microthrombi)
Redness of the skin, itching
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke risk

What should I do if there are deviations?

In case of thrombocytopenia -avoid injuries, exclude blood-thinning drugs (aspirin), check the bone marrow.
With thrombocytosis -look for the cause (ferritin analysis, CRP, organ ultrasound), in severe cases-antiplatelet agents (aspirin).