Platelets are blood cells that are involved in the process of thrombosis and hemostasis. They play an important role in the body, protecting against vascular damage and bleeding. Therefore, you need to regularly undergo examination and promptly seek help from a doctor in case of deviations from established norms. The analyzes that determine platelets, the norm in women by age, the table of indicators in them and in children, the norm in men, the causes of deviations are presented in this material.
The role of platelets in the body
Platelets are cells that resemble small plates in shape. Their main role in the body is protection against blood loss. When damage to the vessel occurs, platelets are instantly sent to the damaged area. Connecting with each other, they form a barrier, preventing bleeding.
In addition to such a protective function, platelets provide a liquid state of the blood, and also dissolve the formed blood clots.
That is why it is important to regularly carry out an analysis for platelets in the blood. The norm, elevated, decreased values, as well as the reasons for the formation of deviations of the indicators of these blood cells are described below.
Platelet Assays
A simple clinical blood test can determine the number of platelets. If the results are abnormal, then the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo a more in-depth examination - a coagulogram. For a general analysis, the material is taken from the finger, additional diagnostics involves the collection of venous blood. To decipher the result, the established platelet norm in men, women, and children is used.
Before any of these tests, you should follow the general rules for preparing for blood donation:
- for three days it is necessary to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, fatty and fried foods;
- fasting blood is given;
- it is advisable to conduct a study in the morning.
Platelets: the norm in women by age (table)
For most people, the norm is considered such indicators of the number of platelets in the blood: from 200 to 400 thousand / μl. But in women, when interpreting the results of the analysis, additional factors should be taken into account, such as the day of the menstrual cycle, age, and even the time of day. Because the speed with which the body produces platelets depends on these conditions.
The norm for women by age (table) is presented below.
| Age | Platelet count (thousand / μl) |
| 15-18 years | from 180 to 340 |
| 18–80 years old | from 180 to 320 |
In addition to age, factors such as pregnancy and menstruation also affect platelet counts in women. In the first case, the blood volume in the body increases, platelets do not have time to recover in the required amount, so a slight decrease in performance as a result of the analysis is the norm.
During monthly female discharge, there is a loss of blood volume in the body, which also leads to a decrease in platelet count. Therefore, with the above conditions, a temporary decrease in indicators to 150 thousand / μl is permissible - this is the norm of platelets in women. A deviation from the norm will be established if the platelet count below 150 units per microliter is indicated in the analysis results, as well as if such indicators remain constant.
During menstruation and during pregnancy, platelet count is considered normal in the range of 150-320 thousand / μl of blood. Women need to be regularly examined by a doctor, follow his recommendations. In the event that in addition to detecting a low platelet level as a result of the analysis, there are also patient complaints about the state of health, urgent additional diagnostic procedures should be carried out in order to exclude serious pathological conditions.
Deciphering the results
In the form of the result of the analysis for determining the number of platelets, various medical abbreviations are indicated. What do they mean? Decoding in the table:
- MPV (mean platelet volume) - this value indicates the average platelet volume in human blood.
- PDW - indicates the approximate platelet width.
- PCT (platelet crit) - thrombocrit.
- PLT platelets - blood standards in men, women and children are usually indicated in the PLT indicator. This figure indicates the number of these cells in the blood of a person. If abnormalities are found in this indicator, the doctor may order a re-examination.
Norm for men
In men, with the normal course of the process of hematopoiesis, platelets are updated with constant regularity. Normally, indicators should correspond to 180-320 thousand / µl. If in the female body permissible deviations are possible in terms of platelet counts, then in men such deviations are unacceptable. When decoding the analysis, a specialist can either confirm the norm, or indicate a possible pathology in the work of the circulatory system.
Platelet counts in children
In childhood, the platelet count in the blood depends on the age of the baby. In a newborn, depending on the general condition, a wide range of indicators is allowed, which can be considered the norm in each case. Relatively stable production of platelets by the body becomes over the age of 4 years.
The table below helps to decipher the result of the analysis in children.
| Child age | Platelet count rates (thousand / μl) |
| Newborn | 100-420 |
| from 2 months to 1 year | 120-350 |
| from 1 year to 4 years | 150-320 |
Reasons for increased rates
So, we have learned what elevated platelets in the blood mean. And the causes of this condition will be further presented to your attention. If the result of the analysis to determine such blood cells revealed abnormalities, the doctor can only suspect a certain health problem. A second or deeper additional study is required to make a diagnosis.
In the event that, when the test is repeated, overestimated platelet counts are found, the specialist may suspect (confirm) the following violations in the state of health of the patient under study:
- Primary thrombosis (or disruption of bone marrow cells).
- Infectious diseases (viral, bacterial and fungal origin).
- Inflammatory processes in the body.
- Extensive tissue necrosis.
- Patient taking certain medications.
- Open injuries, bleeding.
- Oncological disease.
- After surgery (for example, when removing the spleen), the platelet count increases.
Reasons for low rates
A condition in which the blood contains a reduced number of platelets is called thrombocytopenia. Often such a disease is observed in premature infants, which is associated with the underdevelopment of individual systems and organs of the baby. The result of the analysis showed that platelets are below normal in a child? The reasons may be the following:
- intrauterine infection of the fetus with certain diseases;
- incompatibility in the blood group of the fetus and the mother's body;
- asphyxia in the process of labor;
- congenital anemia.
In children older than 4 years and adults, the causes of this condition may be as follows:
- infectious diseases;
- intoxication of the body;
- hemodialysis procedure;
- serious allergic reactions;
- cancer of the blood;
- bleeding;
- autoimmune system diseases;
- taking certain medications.
Decrypt the result of the analysis can only be a specialist. It should be borne in mind that many factors affect the extent to which the body produces platelets. The norm in women by age, the table of established indicators in children, as well as the level of these cells in the blood in men should be known to every hematologist.
If deviations from the established norms are detected, a second examination is necessary. Only in this case, the doctor can approve the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. To prevent diseases associated with impaired platelet production, you should follow the diet, regularly engage in cardio loads (such as running, swimming, cycling and others), organize a good rest.