How low do platelets have to be for thrombocytopenia?

How low do platelets have to be for thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood.

What platelet count is thrombocytopenia?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).

What is considered mild thrombocytopenia?

Degrees of thrombocytopenia can be further subdivided into mild (platelet count 100,000 to 150,000/microL), moderate (50,000 to 99,000/microL), and severe (<50,000/microL) [1].

At what platelet count does spontaneous bleeding occur?

Spontaneous bleeding can occur with a platelet count under 10000/microliter and surgical bleeding with counts below 50000/microL.

What is considered critical low platelet count?

A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. If your blood platelet count falls below normal, you have thrombocytopenia. However, the risk for serious bleeding doesn’t occur until the count becomes very low—less than 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.

What are the potential consequences of a low platelet count?

If you have a low platelet count, you may experience:

• red, purple, or brown bruises, which are called purpura.
• a rash with small red or purple dots called petechiae.
• nosebleeds.
• bleeding gums.
• bleeding from wounds that lasts for a prolonged period or doesn’t stop on its own.
• heavy menstrual bleeding.
• bleeding from the rectum.

When does thrombocytopenia occur when platelets are low?

If your blood platelet count falls below normal, you have thrombocytopenia. However, the risk for serious bleeding doesn’t occur until the count becomes very low—less than 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter. Mild bleeding sometimes occurs when the count is less than 50,000 platelets per microliter.

What happens if you have a low platelet count?

Having a low platelet count — a condition called “thrombocytopenia” — is a problem with normal blood clotting and bruising that results from having low levels of thrombocytes , colorless blood cells produced by bone marrow. Thrombocytes are responsible for helping form blood clots in the arteries/veins and stopping bleeding.

When do you need blood transfusion for thrombocytopenia?

If the condition causes or puts you at risk for serious bleeding, you may need medicines or blood or platelet transfusions. Rarely, the spleen may need to be removed. Thrombocytopenia can be fatal, especially if the bleeding is severe or occurs in the brain.

What happens if you get a cut with thrombocytopenia?

People who have thrombocytopenia don’t have enough platelets to form a blood clot. If you get a cut or other injury, you may bleed too much and the bleeding can be hard to stop. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.