Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

Platelet Count (PLT): What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Measures the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help stop bleeding and form blood clots.

Test summary

Test name: Platelet Count (PLT)
Abbreviations: PLT, Trombosit
Category: Hematology / Coagulation
Panel: Complete Blood Count (CBC) / Hemogram
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: /µL, x10^9/L

What does the test measure?

Measures the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help stop bleeding and form blood clots.

Why is the test ordered?

Helps assess bleeding or clotting problems, bone-marrow function, and changes seen in the complete blood count.

Information about a low result

A low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, may increase bleeding risk and can be related to reduced production, increased destruction or consumption, medicines, or other conditions.

Information about a high result

A high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, may be associated with infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, bleeding, or disorders that affect the bone marrow.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference range 1

>= 150 – <= 400 x10^9/L

Population: General
Specimen: Whole blood

Example reference interval

MedlinePlus gives 150–400 x10^9/L; ranges may vary by lab.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Platelet count and MPV can provide complementary information about platelet number and size, but a single result does not establish the cause.

Related specialties

Hematology
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

CBC blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · CBC components; example adult reference ranges; high/low RBC, WBC and platelet context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Platelet Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Platelet count; thrombocytopenia/thrombocytosis context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
MPV Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · MPV interpretation together with platelet count · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Ferritin Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Ferritin purpose; low/high context; inflammation and liver-related causes of elevation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026