A 30-year-old member asked:
What does a low platelet count mean?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Lab error or real: The platelets are fragile & subject to clumping in the specimen& that drops the count. Repeating a level would be prudent on a random low count. True low counts come from decreased production(illness, bad bone marrow, cancer) or increased loss/destruction (disease, bleeding disorder).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Error,prodctn,distru: A random low platelet count is often the result of the nature of the test. Platelets are frail & may clump in the specimen before the test is run so a falsely lowered count is found.Low production during illness or bone marrow failure usually shows up in several blood cells. Increased destruction by immune factors or loss with bleeding disorders are seen. Platelets only last a few days at best.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
What does a slightly low platelet count mean?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Welkeranswered
General Surgery 29 years experience
Folic acid deficient: Is one of the most common reasons; there are literally hundreds of others. You might start by taking a daily multivitamin, but i it doesn't work you have to dig deeper.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Can you live with a low platelet count?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. George T Tsaianswered
General Surgery 29 years experience
YES: Many people do and live quite normally. Just make sure you have periodic surveillance and report any abnormal bleeding / bruising without delay. Critically low platelet count can result in severe and potentially life threatening bleeding complication.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What exactly does it mean to have a low platelet count?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Scott Welkeranswered
General Surgery 29 years experience
Folic acid deficient: Is one of the most common reasons; there are literally hundreds of others. You might start by taking a daily multivitamin, but i it doesn't work you have to dig deeper.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
I have a low platelet count. What do I do to help this?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Yale Kanteranswered
Ophthalmology 63 years experience
Low platelet count: See an hematologist and voice your concerns and he will be able to track this into an appropriate diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Streetsboro, OH
A 39-year-old female asked:
Chronic low platelet count. What could it be?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Hushang Haghighatanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
?ITP: It could be idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpure (ITP},but if you taking any medication it could be secondary side effect of medication , so you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 28, 2018
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