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Thrombocytes, blood cell platelet count

Thrombocytes, or platelets, are vital to the functioning of the blood clotting system.

Thrombocytes

  • Thrombocytes are one type of blood cells in addition to white and red blood cells.
  • Thrombocytes are important for blood clotting. 
  • Quantity of platelets can be affected by viruses and bacteria, alcohol consumption, and liver diseases.
  • Thrombocytes are part of the blood count.

What are thrombocytes?

Thrombocytes, or platelets, are central to the functioning of the blood clotting system. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. Platelets are stored in the spleen and live for about 10 days, after which they are replaced by new platelets.

Platelets, together with other blood clotting factors, react to bleeding and initiate the blood clotting process. Platelets can also repair small damage to the blood vessels.

Thrombocytes are part of the blood count.

Reference values for thrombocytes

Platelet reference values for adults:

Men: 145 – 348 xE9/L
Women: 165 – 387 xE9/L

Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.

Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

A person with thrombocytopenia, or a low platelet count, is susceptible to bleeding. This condition may cause unusually heavy or frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, spontaneous bruising or increased menstrual bleeding. However, only a significant drop in the platelet count (below 50 x E9/l) results in such symptoms.

If a person uses medicinal products that affect platelet function (such as aspirin), abnormal bleeding may occur even with less severe thrombocytopenia.

Platelets may decrease for a number of reasons

Most common causes are:

Mild, asymptomatic, and temporary thrombocytopenia does not require further tests or treatment. However, it is important to investigate the cause of a markedly decreased or prolonged low platelet count.

High platelet count (thrombocytosis)

Thrombocytosis is a condition in which there are too many platelets in the blood. Platelet count can increase due to various factors that do not constitute an actual disease. Platelet count may increase, for example, in case of sudden bleeding and inflammation.

High platelet count usually does not cause any symptoms. 

Platelet count may be elevated for reasons such as:

FAQ

If the platelet count is too high, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of this condition. Common ways to manage platelet count include hydration and the use of blood thinners such as aspirin as directed by a doctor. In some cases, other medications or treatments may be used, such as blood thinners or treatments aimed at improving blood circulation. It is important to discuss with a doctor before starting any treatment.

An adult human has an average of about five liters of blood. The amount of blood can vary individually and is about 7-8% of a person’s total body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms has about five and a half liters of blood. The amount of blood is important as it transports oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body and helps remove waste products.

Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days in the human body. After this, they are primarily broken down in the spleen, where their iron is salvaged and used to produce new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells can vary among different people and under different conditions, but 120 days is a generally accepted average.

The treatment of macrocytosis typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If macrocytosis is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, treatment includes supplementing these vitamins. If it is related to alcohol use, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is recommended. The doctor may also prescribe other treatments depending on the cause of the macrocytosis.

The rate of decrease in MCV (mean corpuscular volume) depends on what has caused the change. For example, in the treatment of iron deficiency, MCV can start to decrease within a few weeks of starting iron supplementation. If the change in MCV is due to other health-related causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow diseases, the rate of decrease can vary.

A complete blood count is usually taken when there is a desire to get a comprehensive picture of a person’s general health status or when there is a need to monitor certain health-related changes. A complete blood count can help identify various conditions, such as anemia.

Article updated:
23 October 2024

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