Platelet Count (Automated Blood Cell Differential)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are tiny cells that help prevent bleeding and aid in clotting.
["Platelets help your blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding; low or high levels may signal health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48386-7
- Short code
- Lg Platelets/Platelet NFr Bld Auto
- Synonyms
- Lg Platelets/Platelet NFr Bld Auto
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- automated-count
- CPT
- 85049
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003003
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order a platelet count to check for bleeding disorders, clotting issues, or other conditions affecting blood cell production. It’s often done during routine blood tests or when symptoms like easy bruising, excessive bleeding, or unusual fatigue appear.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before testing.
What the Results Mean
Platelet counts are typically reported as a range (e.g., 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood). Very low counts (thrombocytopenia) may increase bleeding risk, while very high counts (thrombocytosis) could raise clot formation concerns. Your provider will interpret results in relation to your symptoms and overall health.
Common Conditions Linked to Platelet Counts
Abnormal platelet counts can signal conditions like leukemia, liver disease, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Chronic conditions like kidney disease or certain medications may also affect platelet levels.
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.
Platelet counts are crucial for diagnosing bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or clotting disorders (e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation). They help guide treatment for conditions like chemotherapy-related thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction from medications.
Short name
Platelet Count
Frequently asked questions
What causes a low platelet count?
What causes a high platelet count?
How often should I get 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