Platelets are the smallest blood cells, typically around 2 μm in diameter. However, their size can vary depending on various factors. For example, a recent study using May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining revealed a mean diameter of 1.7 ± 0.1 µm for resting platelets in healthy subjects. It is important to note that platelet size can be measured using a clinical hematology analyzer to obtain the mean platelet volume (MPV). This measurement is considered a marker of platelet function and activation.
While a typical platelet size is around 2 μm, giant platelets can have a diameter greater than 7 microns, which is larger than a normal red blood cell. This can happen due to increased platelet turnover.
