PLATELET COUNT – HM072
🦟 Dengue, Viral & Clotting Monitor📋 Test Details
- Fasting: Not Required (Can be done anytime).
- Report Time: Same Day (Essential for Dengue monitoring).
- Sample: EDTA Whole Blood.
What is a Platelet Count?
Platelets (Thrombocytes) are tiny, colorless cell fragments in your blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. When you get a cut, platelets rush to the site and stick together to act as a bandage.
The Platelet Count Test measures exactly how many platelets you have in a microliter of blood. This is the most critical test for monitoring viral fevers like Dengue, where platelet counts can drop dangerously low.
Why is this Test Critical?
In Dengue fever, the platelet count can crash rapidly (Thrombocytopenia). Regular monitoring (sometimes daily) is vital to know if the patient needs a platelet transfusion.
If you have unexplained bruises (blue/black marks), bleeding gums, or nosebleeds, this test checks if your blood is able to clot properly.
Surgeons require a normal platelet count before any operation to ensure you won't bleed excessively. Chemotherapy patients also monitor this to check bone marrow health.
Interpreting Results
- Normal Range: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (mcL).
- Low (Thrombocytopenia): Below 150,000. Common in Dengue, Malaria, Typhoid, and ITP.
- High (Thrombocytosis): Above 450,000. Can happen due to inflammation, infection, or bone marrow disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the critical phase of Dengue, doctors often advise checking the count once every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours if the count is dropping below 100,000.
No. Platelet count is not affected by food. You can take this test at any time of the day.
If counts drop very low (usually below 20,000), there is a risk of internal bleeding. You may notice tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae) or bleeding from the gums.
Disclaimer: This test aids in diagnosis but should be interpreted by a doctor. In case of Dengue, seek immediate medical advice.