Platelet Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are tiny cells responsible for helping blood clot when you get a cut or injury.
["Platelets help prevent excessive bleeding and support wound healing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5964-2
- Short code
- PT Bld
- Synonyms
- PT Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- coag-tissue-factor-induced
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), which can make you bleed more easily, or high platelet levels (thrombocytosis), which may increase your risk of blood clots. It’s also used to monitor treatments for blood disorders or after certain medical procedures.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy exercise or aspirin/ibuprofen for 24 hours before the test if your doctor recommends it.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will clean the area, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a small sample of blood into a test tube. The blood is then sent to the lab for analysis.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported as the number of platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. While exact reference ranges vary by lab, values outside the normal range may signal underlying health concerns.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low platelet counts can cause easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, or excessive bleeding during surgery. High platelet counts may raise the risk of blood clots, especially in people with heart disease or circulation problems. Monitoring platelet levels helps guide treatment for conditions like leukemia, autoimmune disorders, or liver disease.
Short name
Platelet
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my platelet count is abnormal?
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