Thrombocytes

What are platelets and how are they determined?

Platelets are small blood platelets that play an important role in blood clotting. They adhere to injured blood vessels and, together with other factors, form a clot that stops bleeding. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of about 10 days.

Platelets are a biomarker for various diseases related to blood clotting. For example, too few platelets (thrombocytopenia) can lead to an increased tendency to bleed, while too many platelets (thrombocytosis) can increase the risk of thrombosis and stroke. The function of the platelets can also be disturbed, for example by medication or genetic defects.

Measuring the platelet count and platelet function is therefore an important part of the diagnosis and therapy of blood clotting disorders. Platelet count can be determined with a simple blood test, while platelet function can be measured with special equipment or laboratory tests. The normal values for platelet count are between 150,000 and 450,000 per microlitre of blood, but they can vary depending on age, gender and other factors.

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