Platelet count (peripheral blood smear qualitative assessment for platelet morphology/abnormalities)
This test involves examining your blood sample under a microscope to check the number of platelets and their appearance. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help with clotting.
["Platelets are crucial for preventing excessive bleeding, and their count and shape can indicate health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54413-0
- Short code
- Num units trans WBC-poor platpheresis
- Synonyms
- Num units trans WBC-poor platpheresis
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, or unexplained fatigue. It’s also used to monitor conditions affecting blood clotting or platelet production, such as certain cancers or blood disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a simple blood draw, usually from your arm. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
The test doesn’t provide a single numeric result but instead assesses platelet count and morphology (shape/size). Low or high platelet counts, along with abnormal shapes, may signal bleeding disorders, infections, or other health issues.
Common Conditions Linked to Platelet Issues
Abnormal platelet counts or shapes can be linked to conditions like thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), thrombocytosis (high platelet count), or disorders such as leukemia or immune-related clotting problems.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 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 count and morphology are critical for diagnosing bleeding disorders, monitoring treatment effectiveness for blood cancers, or identifying hidden causes of fatigue or bruising. Changes can also signal underlying infections, liver disease, or autoimmune conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal platelet counts or shapes?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before 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