A healthy adult typically has 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) of blood, or 150 to 400 × 109/L. This number can vary slightly depending on factors like age and sex. For example, some sources indicate that women may average 157,000 to 371,000 platelets/mcL while men average 135,000 to 317,000 platelets/mcL.
Understanding Platelet Counts
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells crucial for blood clotting. A complete blood count (CBC) test measures your platelet count. This test is essential for diagnosing various conditions, including bleeding disorders or clotting problems.
What a Platelet Count Reveals:
- Normal Range: As stated, the generally accepted normal range is 150,000 to 400,000 platelets/mcL. However, slight variations are common.
- Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): A count below 150,000/mcL is considered low and can increase bleeding risk. Counts below 20,000/mcL are particularly concerning.
- High Platelet Count (Thrombocytosis): A count above 400,000/mcL is considered high and may increase the risk of blood clots.
Why Platelet Counts Vary:
Several factors can influence your platelet count, including:
- Age: Platelet counts can differ slightly between age groups.
- Sex: Minor variations between the average platelet count for men and women have been noted.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Diseases affecting bone marrow production or immune system function can affect platelet counts.
- Medications: Some medications can either increase or decrease platelet production.
Resources: Information from various sources confirms the provided platelet count range. Multiple medical institutions and organizations (Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mount Sinai, Cleveland Clinic, UC San Francisco Health) all corroborate the 150,000-400,000 platelets/mcL range as typical for a healthy adult.
