A platelet count is most often used to monitor or diagnose conditions that cause too much bleeding or too much clotting. A platelet count may be included in a complete blood count, a test that is often done as part of a regular checkup. Platelet function tests may be used to: Help diagnose certain platelet diseases.
SPECIMEN: 3 mL (1 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
STABILITY: Room: 6 hrs; Refrigerated: 48 hrs; Frozen: NA
REPORT: Daily
USAGE: Platelets participate in primary hemostasis by forming a platelet plug at sites of vascular injury. Average life span of platelets is 7-10 days. Low platelet count may occur due to decreased production eg. bone marrow failure, increased consumption eg. idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, increased sequestration eg. hypersplenism or a combination of these causes.