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: Plateletcrit [Volume Fraction] in Venous Blood

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: Plateletcrit measures the percentage of a blood sample’s total volume made up of platelets, the small blood cells involved in clotting.

Quick summary

[": A higher or lower plateletcrit can reflect an increased or decreased platelet contribution to blood volume and is interpreted alongside other blood counts."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
51637-7
Short code
Plateletcrit VFr Bld
Synonyms
Plateletcrit VFr Bld
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

: What Plateletcrit Measures

: Platelets help form clots and protect against bleeding. Plateletcrit estimates how much of the blood volume is occupied by platelets rather than red blood cells, white blood cells, or plasma.

: How the Test Is Performed

: A venous blood sample is analyzed by a hematology analyzer. The result is often calculated using the platelet count and average platelet size and may be included as part of a complete blood count.

: Why the Test May Be Ordered

: A clinician may order plateletcrit as part of a routine blood count or when evaluating an abnormal platelet count, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or a possible blood-clotting disorder.

: Understanding the Result

: A high plateletcrit may occur when platelet levels or platelet size are increased, while a low plateletcrit may reflect fewer platelets or smaller platelets. Results should be considered with the platelet count, average platelet volume, and the rest of the blood count.

Reference range

Adult: 150-400 x 10^9/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: Clinical significance

Short name

: Plateletcrit

Frequently asked questions

: Is plateletcrit the same as a platelet count?
: No. A platelet count reports the number of platelets per unit of blood, while plateletcrit reports the fraction of total blood volume represented by platelets. Both provide related but different information.
: Does a high or low plateletcrit diagnose a blood disorder?
: Not by itself. An abnormal result may suggest increased or reduced platelet activity or production, but a clinician must interpret it with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings.
: Do I need to prepare for this test?
: Usually, no special preparation is required. If the test is drawn with other laboratory tests, follow the preparation instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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