Platelets blood test
Small cells that help blood clot.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 150–400 K/µL
- Panel
- Blood Health
- Also called
- PLT, Thrombocytes
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Part of a full blood count; both very high and very low counts need follow-up.
What can raise it
- Inflammation or infection
- Iron deficiency
- After blood loss
What can lower it
- Viral infections
- Some medications
- Liver disease
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Other blood health tests
Questions
What is a normal Platelets level?
A typical adult male reference range is 150–400 K/µL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Platelets mean?
Common reasons include inflammation or infection, iron deficiency and after blood loss. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Platelets mean?
Common reasons include viral infections, some medications and liver disease.