Platelet Count

Platelet Count:
Number of platelets in a cubic millimetre of whole blood – normally 150 000 – 300 000.
Increase (thrombocytosis)  polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, neoplasia, iron deficiency anaemia, inflammatory diseases, chronic renal disease
Decrease (thrombocytopenia)  acute leukaemia, allergic conditions, liver disease, infection, SLE, thyroid disease, severe iron deficiency anaemia
Lowest safe level for elective surgery is considered 100 000 cell/mm3
Spontaneous bleeding usually occurs below 25 000 – 50 000