欧博ABG官网-欧博官方网址-会员登入

How does the test work?

A healthcare provider (typically a nurse or a phlebotomist) will collect a blood sample. Afterward, healthcare providers in a lab will test the sample to determine your platelet count.

How do I prepare for a platelet count?

Most people don’t need to do anything to prepare for a platelet count. If your provider plans on running other tests on the sample, they may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) beforehand.

Be sure to ask your provider if there are any instructions you should follow or medications to avoid before your blood test.

What happens during a platelet count?

Giving blood for a platelet count only takes a few minutes. You may get the test at your healthcare provider’s office, a hospital or a lab.

During your blood draw, a healthcare provider:

Selects a vein on the inside of your arm, near your elbow.

Places a tourniquet (tight band or cord) around your upper arm. (The tourniquet pushes blood down into your veins, making it easier to draw blood.)

Cleans the skin around your vein and inserts the needle. (You might feel a quick, light sting when the needle goes in.)

Fills a small collection tube with blood.

Removes the needle and tourniquet and applies a small bandage to your arm.

Advertisement

Some people feel nervous around needles or before having their blood drawn. It’s OK if you feel this way. Take deep breaths to relax. It may help to look away from the needle as the provider draws your blood.

What should I expect after the test?

The actual platelet counting (analysis) happens behind the scenes, after you’ve given blood. In a lab, a healthcare provider puts your blood sample in a small machine. The machine counts the platelets and other blood cells in about one minute.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may do a peripheral blood smear (PBS). This test examines a small sample of blood under a microscope. A blood smear assesses the size and shape of blood cells and platelets. Abnormal-looking cells may be a sign of certain conditions that a platelet count alone can’t detect. For example, some conditions involve both high or low platelet counts and other abnormalities, like giant platelets.

Are there any risks with a platelet count?

A platelet count is a simple, common test. There aren’t significant risks.

After the test, you may have light bleeding where the needle went into your vein. You might also see some light bruising or feel soreness on the inside of your arm. But these side effects typically disappear the same day of your blood draw.