![]() ![]() Following blood loss or destruction of platelets, the bone marrow releases more megakaryocytes, which in turn, are fragmented into large platelets. The Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) parameter, the average volume of individual platelets, is derived from the PLT histogram (Figure 1).Ī high MPV, indicating larger platelets, is indicative of more young platelets in the blood. In addition to knowing the number of platelets, it is important to understand platelet size. Together, these results may provide diagnostic predictive value and aid in clinical decision making. Mean platelet volume is a measurement of platelet size and provides further information on platelet function. Platelet function assays and platelet levels, which can be done independently or as part of the CBC with differential, are done to evaluate platelet quantity and show how well those platelets work. ![]() Because platelets are required for clot formation, thrombocytopenia can result in abnormal bleeding (e.g., excessive nose bleeds), petechiae (tiny bruises under the skin), and prolonged bleeding. ![]() Conversely, low levels of platelets, thrombocytopenia, occurs either when there are too few platelets produced, when too many platelets are destroyed, or when the platelets don’t function correctly. 6 In both conditions, abnormal blood clotting, thrombosis, can lead to strokes, embolisms, and thromboses. Thrombocytosis, or secondary thrombocytosis, is a high platelet count caused by another condition such as infection or inflammation. Thrombocythemia, also called Essential Thrombocythemia, is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm where the bone marrow produces too many megakaryocytes leading to too many platelets. There are two main high-platelet conditions. High platelet levels can lead to excessive clot formation. More platelets bind to the site, fibrin and thrombin are activated, red blood cells are trapped in the fibers, and ultimately, a clot is formed. Platelets are attracted to the wound, become sticky, and adhere to the injury site causing more clotting factors to be released. 5 When a blood vessel is injured, hemostasis is initiated. 5 Although there are about 150,000-350,000 platelets per microliter of blood, platelets are so small that they don’t warrant a volume percentage. Generally, a healthy person’s blood is about 60% plasma and about 40% red and white blood cells. As with other blood cells, platelets are produced in the bone marrow. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small fragments of megakaryocyte cells and are vital for normal blood clotting. 1 As an X-linked recessive condition, hemophilia affects males more than females, 2 while von Willebrand disease 3 and many other bleeding disorders 4 affect females more frequently than males. In 2020, over 210,000 people worldwide were living with hemophilia disease and 84,000 were living with von Willebrand disease. There are a variety of platelet disorders that can stem from congenital platelet defects (e.g., von Willebrand disease, hemophilia A) or from external factors (e.g., acquired from taking certain medications). ![]()
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