Platelet Blood Count (Platelet Count)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are tiny cells responsible for helping your blood clot when injured.
["Platelets help prevent excessive bleeding and support wound healing by forming clots."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47284-5
- Short code
- Platelet # BldCo
- Synonyms
- Platelet # BldCo
- 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
- 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a platelet count to check for conditions like bleeding disorders, clotting issues, or infections. It’s also used during pregnancy, before surgeries, or if you’re taking medications that affect blood clotting.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. The test is quick and usually painless. Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before if instructed, but this varies by lab.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general range of healthy platelet counts (usually between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter). Low counts may signal bleeding risks, while high counts could indicate clotting problems or other health concerns.
Common Conditions Affecting Platelets
Platelet counts can drop due to medications, infections, or diseases like leukemia, or rise from conditions like inflammation, infections, or certain cancers. Your doctor will discuss findings in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
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 critical for diagnosing and managing bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts), or thrombocytosis (high platelet counts). They’re also monitored in patients on anticoagulants or chemotherapy.
Short name
Platelet Count
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my platelet count results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What does a low or high platelet count usually indicate?
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