Platelets in CBC

 Platelets in CBC Overview

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found in the blood. They are primarily involved in blood clotting and play a crucial role in hemostasis, which is the process of stopping bleeding from damaged blood vessels.

Platelets are produced in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes. When blood vessels are injured, platelets become activated and clump together at the site of injury to form a platelet plug. This plug helps to seal the damaged blood vessel and prevent further blood loss.

In addition to their role in clot formation, platelets also release various substances, such as clotting factors and growth factors, which help in the repair of damaged tissues. Platelets are involved in wound healing, tissue repair, and the formation of new blood vessels.

Platelet levels in the blood can be measured using a complete blood count (CBC) test. Low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, can result in a higher risk of bleeding and difficulty in clot formation. High platelet counts, known as thrombocytosis, can increase the risk of abnormal blood clot formation, leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or stroke.

Various medical conditions and factors can affect platelet production, function, and count. These include certain medications, infections, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders, and inherited platelet disorders.