Platelet Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are essential for clotting. Low or high platelet counts can indicate bleeding risks or other health concerns.
["Platelets help prevent excessive bleeding and support wound healing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3284-7
- Short code
- LA Nt Platelet PPP
- Synonyms
- LA Nt Platelet PPP
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 150
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 1000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- coag
- CPT
- 85049
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003003
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a platelet count to diagnose or monitor conditions like bleeding disorders, blood clotting issues, infections, or certain cancers. It’s also checked before surgeries or procedures that could cause bleeding.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. This is quick and usually painless. Avoid heavy exercise or aspirin-based medications 24 hours before the test, as they can affect platelet numbers.
What Happens During the Test
The blood sample is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to count platelets. Results are usually ready within a few hours or the next day.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range (not provided here). Very low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) may cause bleeding, while very high counts (thrombocytosis) can increase clotting risks. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health.
Reference range
Adult: 150-400 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal platelet counts can signal underlying conditions like immune disorders (e.g., idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), bone marrow diseases, or chronic illnesses (e.g., liver disease). Platelets also play a role in detecting or managing infections or inflammatory processes.
Short name
Platelet Count
Frequently asked questions
What causes a low platelet count?
What causes a high platelet count?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy