Skip to content
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.

NOTES FROM THE LAB

Hello! My name is Jamila Quaye and I am a senior biomedical scientist with a specialism in haematology, here at One Day Tests laboratory.

Platelets (PLT) - description and reference ranges

What is it?

Platelets (PLT) are the smallest type of blood cell and are important for blood clotting. In the event of an injury or wound, platelets clump together to form a plug and stem the bleeding. If your level of platelets is very low it can result in excess bruising and bleeding. If levels are high, it can put you at higher risk of blood clots forming inappropriately which may block blood vessels. In addition, it is important to note that capillary samples may lower the PLT count, and subsequently the PCT. It is recommended that venous samples are used for more relevant PLT/PCT values.

Interpretation
Platelets are the smallest type of blood cell and are important for blood clotting. In the event of an injury or wound, platelets clump together to form a plug and stem the bleeding. If your level of platelets is very low it can result in excess bruising and bleeding. If levels are high, it can put you at higher risk of blood clots forming inappropriately which may block blood vessels. Abnormalities in platelets can occur in infection, autoimmune conditions, due to some medications, and in some cancers.

Reference ranges

If your indicative PLT count is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

This is also known as thrombocytopenia. Causes of this may include medications, infections, liver disease or some autoimmune conditions.

In rare cases a low PLT can be sign of a blood cancer or other blood disorder.

We would suggest speaking to your GP about the need for further tests.

Because platelets are involved with blood clotting, if your platelets are very low then this can cause easy bruising or bleeding. If you develop these problems then please contact your GP surgery urgently.

If your indicative PLT count is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

This is also known as thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis often occurs when the body is reacting against something such as infection or bleeing, or during inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and, less commonly, cancer.

It can also occur because of iron deficiency and sometimes occurs becuase the body mistakenly over produces platelets (essential thrombocythemia). We would suggest speaking to your GP about the need for further tests.

Full Blood Count (FBC/CBC) Blood Test

 

FULL BLOOD COUNT (FBC/CBC) BLOOD TEST

£65.00
£65.00 - £65.00
£65.00
£65.00 - £65.00
View full details

The first step in identifying potential health issues and monitoring and diagnosing disease. Abnormal FBC results can be indicators of anaemia, infections or blood disorders.

QUICK TEST FINDER

Find what you need in under 30 seconds with our (very clever!) test finder.

We offer a huge range of markers all a few clicks away, as well as fastest turnaround times.

FIND YOUR TEST
QUICK TEST FINDER

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ

  • foods high in zinc
    Dr. Adam Staten

    What Are the 10 Signs of Low Zinc?

    Zinc is a trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, hormone balance, and hundreds of enzyme reactions throughout the body. Because it's needed in so many processes, low zinc levels can produce a wide and sometimes confusing range of symptoms. Below are 10 of the most common signs of low zinc.
    Read now
  • blood test
    Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES A FASTING INSULIN BLOOD TEST SHOW?

    If you have been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with cravings, or noticing changes in your weight that are hard to explain, you may have come across the idea of testing your insulin levels. A fasting insulin blood test is one of the ways to look at how your body is managing sugar and energy, often before other signs become obvious. This article explains what a fasting insulin test actually measures, what your results can tell you, and what steps to consider next. If you would like to check your own levels, you can book a fasting insulin blood test through One Day Tests, with no GP referral needed and results usually available within 24 to 48 hours.
    Read now
  • apolipoprotein blood vial
    Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN APOLIPOPROTEIN B IS HIGH?

    If you have recently had a cholesterol or lipid panel done and seen the term apolipoprotein B, or ApoB, on your results, you might be wondering what it actually means for your health. It is a marker that is becoming more widely tested because it often reveals more than standard cholesterol numbers alone, but a high result on its own can feel confusing without context. This article explains what apolipoprotein B does in the body, what a raised level suggests, and what practical steps you can take if your result comes back high. If you would like to check your own levels, you can book an apolipoprotein B blood test through One Day Tests, with no GP referral needed and results usually available within a day or two.
    Read now
See more