What Does a Low Platelet Count Indicate?

Various underlying health problems, especially those affecting your immune system and bone marrow function, may lead to a lack of important blood-clotting platelets called thrombocytes. If your platelet levels measure low, consider getting medical tests for more serious conditions.

Features

• Blood cells and platelets

  Normal blood platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 cells in every microliter, or one millionth of a liter, of blood, according to Medicine Net. When platelet counts drop below 30,000, severe bleeding can occur.

Conditions

• Low blood count is usually the result of disorders such as leukemia, immune system disorders and as a side effect of medication, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Identification

• Since bone marrow produces most blood cells, including platelets, any disorder that affects bone marrow has the potential to result in thrombocytopenia, or a lack of platelets.

Symptoms

• Depending on the cause and severity of platelet loss, patients may experience a range of symptoms from minor bruising to prolonged bleeding.

Considerations

• People suffering from myelofibrosis or cirrhosis might experience a low platelet count due to an enlarged spleen blocking the flow of platelets throughout the bloodstream.