Peripheral Blood Platelet Count with Qualitative Smear Examination
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood and examines their appearance under a microscope. Platelets help your blood clot when you get a cut or injury.
["Platelets are crucial for healthy blood clotting and overall circulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9317-9
- Short code
- Platelet Bld Ql Smear
- Synonyms
- Platelet Bld Ql Smear
- 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
- microscopy-light
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
The test includes two parts: a platelet count, which tells you how many platelets are in your blood, and a qualitative smear, which looks at the shape, size, and distribution of these cells under a microscope. This helps identify any abnormalities that might suggest conditions like low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or unusual platelet shapes (thrombocytopenia with giant platelets or other variants).
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, or unexplained fatigue. It can also be used to monitor conditions like leukemia, immune disorders, or certain medications that affect platelet production or function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a small amount of blood. The smear is created by spreading a thin layer of blood on a microscope slide. This process usually takes about 10 minutes.
What Happens During the Test?
After drawing your blood, the sample is sent to the lab. The platelet count is measured electronically, while the smear is examined under a microscope by a trained technician. Results are typically available within 24 hours.
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 + Microscopy
Frequently asked questions
A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase your risk of bleeding, while an unusually high count (thrombocytosis) may raise concerns about clotting issues or underlying conditions. The smear can reveal whether platelets appear normal or if there are signs of infection, cancer, or other disorders affecting blood cell production.
Results are usually ready within 1–2 days. If your platelet count is outside the expected range, your doctor will discuss what this might mean for you, including possible causes like medications, infections, or underlying health conditions. The smear results may take slightly longer to interpret, as they require detailed microscopic analysis.
You can eat and drink normally before this test, as no special diet or fasting is required. However, inform your doctor if you’re taking any blood-thinning medications, as they may affect your platelet count.
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