The laboratory values | The reduced platelet count – When does it become dangerous?

The laboratory values

The number of thrombocytes is determined by a small blood count. Therefore a blood sample is taken and the platelet count per μl blood is measured. Standard values are in the range of 150.

000 – 380. 000 thrombocytes per μl blood. This range, in which the standard values should lie, applies to both women and men. If the laboratory value is between 100,000 – 150,000 platelets per μl blood, this usually does not cause clinical symptoms. If the laboratory value is less than 100,000 thrombocytes per μl blood, symptoms often appear in the form of a prolonged bleeding time, spontaneous bleeding or the smallest bleedings that occur frequently on arms and legs.

The treatment

The treatment of a reduced number of thrombocytes depends entirely on the cause and severity of the disease.If there is a low level of thrombocytes in the blood, often no further treatment is necessary, as this condition is usually normalized by the body’s own processes. If the reason for the thrombocyte deficiency is due to a lower new platelet formation or an increased breakdown of platelets, this cause should be eliminated first. Therapies here vary greatly depending on the underlying disease.

If blood-thinning medications are taken, they are often discontinued for the time being to improve blood clotting. If no medication is taken or the thrombocyte deficiency is very acute and pronounced, this blood loss should be compensated as soon as possible. Blood preserves can be administered.

The administration of a platelet concentrate can significantly improve the clotting of the blood again. In case of injury, the bleeding can be stopped more quickly and there is less blood loss. The simultaneous administration of an erythrocyte concentrate can also be used, as this can improve the clotting of the blood in the body in addition to the platelet concentrate.

Duration and prognosis

A platelet deficiency can vary greatly in duration depending on the cause. It is important that the causative factor is eliminated and the formation of new platelets proceeds in a normalized manner. If the thrombocyte deficiency is only pronounced over a short period of time and is not accompanied by any other clinical symptoms, no consequential damage is to be expected. If the formation of platelets is still restricted, they should be replaced by platelet concentrates in case of severe deficiency, otherwise there is a risk of life-threatening bleeding.