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Understanding Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

Every drop of blood matters—Detect, Diagnose, Defend with AK Diagnostics.

What Are Platelets?

Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments in your blood whose main job is to clot the blood when there’s an injury. They form plugs in blood vessel holes and help prevent excessive bleeding. When platelet levels drop too low, your body struggles to stop even minor bleeding, which can lead to internal bleeding and other complications.

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for a low platelet count. It can be temporary or chronic, mild or severe, depending on the cause.

A platelet count below:

  • 150,000/µL is considered low
  • Below 50,000/µL can lead to dangerous bleeding
  • Below 20,000/µL can be life-threatening and may require urgent intervention

Types of Thrombocytopenia

  1. Mild: Often asymptomatic and discovered during routine tests
  2. Moderate: May cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding
  3. Severe: Can result in spontaneous internal bleeding, gum bleeds, and dangerous nosebleeds

What Causes Low Platelet Count?

Low platelet count can be caused by various factors that affect the production, destruction, or storage of platelets within the body:

  • Decreased platelet production: This can be due to:
  • Bone marrow disorders: Conditions like leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes can impair the bone marrow’s ability to produce platelets.
  • Certain infections: Viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, measles, mumps, and chickenpox can temporarily reduce platelet production.
  • Exposure to certain substances: Heavy alcohol consumption, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene and pesticides can damage the bone marrow and decrease platelet production.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, folate, or iron can affect platelet production.
  • Increased platelet destruction: This happens when the body destroys platelets faster than it can produce them. Some causes include:
  • Autoimmune disorders: In conditions like immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy platelets.
  • Certain medications: Some drugs, including diuretics, certain antibiotics, and blood thinners like heparin, can trigger the immune system to destroy platelets.
  • Bacterial infections: Severe bacterial infections in the blood (bacteremia) can directly destroy platelets or trigger an immune response that leads to their destruction.
  • Platelet sequestration: An enlarged spleen, caused by various conditions like liver disease or certain cancers, can trap many platelets, preventing them from circulating in the bloodstream and leading to a low platelet count.

Symptoms of Low Platelet Count

Many individuals with mild thrombocytopenia may not experience any symptoms, and the condition might only be detected during routine blood tests. However, as platelet counts decrease, symptoms related to bleeding and bruising may appear.

Common symptoms include:

  • Easy bruising: Unexplained or frequent bruising.
  • Petechiae: Small, pinpoint-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash, especially on the lower legs.
  • Purpura: Larger red, purple, or brown patches on the skin, caused by bleeding under the skin.
  • Prolonged bleeding: Cuts or wounds that bleed for longer than usual.
  • Nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums: These can occur spontaneously or after minor irritation.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding: Women with low platelet counts may experience unusually heavy or prolonged periods.
  • Blood in urine or stool: This can indicate internal bleeding, with stool appearing dark or black.
  • Fatigue: Significant blood loss due to internal bleeding can lead to fatigue.
  • Enlarged spleen: May be palpable during a physical exam in some cases.

Diagnosis at AK Diagnostics

At AK Diagnostics, we follow a structured approach:

✅ Primary Test:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count) — to check platelet levels

✅ Confirmatory/Additional Tests:

  • Peripheral blood smear — to examine blood cell shape and count
  • Bone marrow biopsy — if bone marrow failure is suspected
  • Viral markers — Dengue, Hepatitis B/C, HIV
  • Autoimmune screening — to detect ITP, SLE

Management & Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:

  • Observation only: For mild cases with no symptoms
  • Treat the cause: e.g., stopping a medication or treating an infection
  • Steroids or IVIG: For autoimmune conditions
  • Platelet transfusions: In severe or bleeding cases
  • Surgery (Splenectomy): Sometimes needed in chronic ITP
  • Immunosuppressive drugs for persistent autoimmune causes

Home Care & Lifestyle Tips

  • Avoid contact sports or activities that risk bleeding
  • Be cautious with medications like aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing if bleeding is an issue
  • Monitor any new bruises or red spots
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in Vitamin B12, folate, and iron

Why Choose AK Diagnostics?

  • NABL-accredited lab quality
  • Fast & accurate test results
  • Expert consultation & follow-up advice
  • Home sample collection available
  • Affordable test packages

Get Tested Before It’s Too Late

Low platelet counts can lead to serious complications without being noticed. Stay one step ahead with regular blood tests.

✅ Reliable reports
✅ Quick home sample collection
✅ Expert guidance

Book your CBC/Platelet Count Test at AK Diagnostics.

For your appointment, Book now 

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