Platelet Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are important for clotting. Low or high platelet counts may indicate health concerns.
["Platelets help prevent excessive bleeding and support proper blood clotting."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26516-5
- Short code
- Platelet # Plas
- Synonyms
- Platelet # Plas
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- 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
- 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a platelet count to check for bleeding disorders, infections, or conditions like leukemia. It’s often done as part of a routine blood test or to monitor treatment for certain illnesses.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy exercise or aspirin/ibuprofen 24 hours before if your doctor advises it.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported as the number of platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. A lower-than-normal count (thrombocytopenia) may suggest bleeding risks or bone marrow issues, while a higher-than-normal count (thrombocytosis) could indicate infection or other conditions.
Common Conditions Linked to Platelet Counts
Low platelet counts can cause easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, or frequent infections. High platelet counts may lead to blood clots or other complications. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of 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, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. They also help assess how well treatments like chemotherapy or medications for blood disorders are working.
Short name
Platelet Count
Frequently asked questions
What causes a low platelet count?
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