Platelet Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are tiny cells that help prevent bleeding and promote clotting. Platelets are essential for healthy blood circulation and wound healing.
["Platelets help stop bleeding and support blood clotting—low or high levels may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41616-4
- Short code
- Platelet Ab Ser Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Platelet Ab Ser Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- flow-cytometry
- 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
What Is a Platelet Count Test Used For?
Doctors may order a platelet count test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting blood clotting, such as bleeding disorders, infections, or certain cancers. It can also help evaluate symptoms like easy bruising, excessive bleeding, or unexplained fatigue.
When Might You Need This Test?
You might need a platelet count if you have symptoms like frequent bruising, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, or signs of bleeding inside the body (like blood in urine or stool). It’s also used before surgeries, during chemotherapy, or if you have a suspected blood disorder.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where machines count the platelets automatically. No special preparation is needed, but avoid aspirin or certain medications that thin blood for 7–10 days before testing.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are reported as the number of platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or high count (thrombocytosis) may require further testing to find the cause, such as infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Platelet Count
Frequently asked questions
Why might my platelet count be checked?
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