Also called thrombocytes, they are the smallest blood cells and play a fundamental role in blood clotting. In case of a vessel’s injury, platelets aggregate and adhere to the vessel’s wall forming a clot.
CBC provides information on the physical characteristics of platelets through the following parameters called platelet indices, such as PDW, MPV and PCT.
Increased platelet values
- Idiopathic thrombocytosis
- Hemorrhage
- Malignancies
- Infections
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
- Splenectomy
Decreased platelet values
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Autoimmune disorders (Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Chronic liver diseases
- Splenomegaly
- Viral infections (HIV, hepatitis C, mumps)
- Alcoholism
- Pregnancy