Information about a laboratory test

High Platelet Count (PLT): What Does It Mean?

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

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

Depending on the context, iron-status markers such as ferritin and hemoglobin and the MPV can add useful information.

Related specialties

  • Hematology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. 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

  2. Platelet Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2024 · Platelet count; thrombocytopenia/thrombocytosis context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  3. MPV Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2024 · MPV interpretation together with platelet count · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  4. 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