Other names: Platelets, Thrombocyte Count

What are platelets?

Platelets (aka thrombocytes) are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. 

Where are platelets made?

Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue inside our bones. Bone marrow contains stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the main function of platelets?

Platelets form clots when there’s damage to a blood vessel. For example, if you cut your finger, platelets mix with coagulation factors/clotting factors (proteins in the blood). Together, they form a “glue” that stops the bleeding.

This marker can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of a high or low platelet count. Larger platelets are usually younger platelets that have been released earlier than normal from the bone marrow, while smaller platelets may be older and have been in circulation for a few days.

ANTIBODIES ASSOCIATED WITH:
This test by itself is not diagnostic for any condition or disease

Arterial Thrombosis
Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia
Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

BODY TISSUE:

Cardiovascular and Endocrine

A Platelet Neutralization test in a blood test is a specialized laboratory test used to detect the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LAs), which are autoantibodies associated with blood clotting disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It is an essential component of the diagnostic process, but its interpretation requires consideration of other clinical and laboratory information.

Platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) is defined as the percentage of platelets that exceed the normal value of platelet volume of 12 fL in the total platelet count.

Platelet size has been shown to reflect platelet activity; therefore MPV (=Mean Platelet Volume) and P-LCR are a simple and easy method of indirect assessment of platelet stimulation.

PCT is the volume occupied by platelets in the blood as a percentage and calculated according to the formula PCT = platelet count × MPV / 10,000 (25-27).

Platinum (Pt) is a nonessential element that is sometimes detected in hair. However, the clinical significance of hair Pt has not been well studied. Hair treatments may contribute to artifactual contamination of scalp hair.

Pt is poorly absorbed in the gut but may be absorbed via inhalation. Since it is a relatively rare element, most Pt exposures are of occupational origin.

Urinary platinum (Pt) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. Significant exposure to this non-essential, precious metal is unusual except in association with chemotherapy. Pt–containing, high-gold alloys have been used in dentistry for many decades. Platinum is poorly absorbed in the gut and high-level oral exposure is unlikely. Jewelers who make high-end jewelry may be exposed to Pt.

Platinum (Pt) is a nonessential element that is sometimes detected in feces. However, the clinical significance of high levels of Pt in feces has not been well studied. Platinum is poorly absorbed in the gut and high level of oral exposure is unusual. Since it is a relatively rare element, most Pt exposures are of occupational origin. There may have been a slight increase in environmental Pt due to the use of Pt in automobile catalytic converters. Pt is a byproduct of copper refining and used as an alloy in some dental and orthopedic materials.

Platinum and platinum alloys are used in surgical tools, laboratory utensils, dentistry, jewelry, silicone breast implants, electrical resistance wires, automobile catalytic converters, optical fibers, and liquid crystal display glass, especially for laptops. It is believed that automotive catalytic converters release platinum to the roadside environment. Platinum is used in some chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, which is used to treat ovarian cancer. Workers in the following areas show the highest platinum levels: roadside maintenance, refineries, oncology wards, electronics plants, chemical plants, and jewelry production. Women with silicone breast implants have platinum exposure. One study showed a significant uptake of platinum from platinum-containing dental alloy restorations. The general population is at increasing risk of exposure to platinum because of the widespread use of catalytic converters and growing applications for platinum in various sectors of the economy.

SOURCES:

Can be found in soil and river sediments, air, and jewelry. Used as a catalyst in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. It’s resistance to oxidation makes it important in the manufacturing of laboratory equipment. It is also used as a chemotherapeutic agent. 

PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS:

Platinum binds to DNA and interferes with transcription and replication resulting in apoptosis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Metallic forms are inert, but the complex salts can produce conjunctivitis, urticaria, dermatitis, and eczema with dermal exposure. Nephrotoxicity and thrombocytopenia are seen with platinum chemotherapeutic agents. Respiratory exposures can produce wheezing and shortness of breath.

SOURCES:

Can be found in soil and river sediments, air, and jewelry. Used as a catalyst in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. It’s resistance to oxidation makes it important in the manufacturing of laboratory equipment. It is also used as a chemotherapeutic agent. 

PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS:

Platinum binds to DNA and interferes with transcription and replication resulting in apoptosis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Metallic forms are inert, but the complex salts can produce conjunctivitis, urticaria, dermatitis, and eczema with dermal exposure. Nephrotoxicity and thrombocytopenia are seen with platinum chemotherapeutic agents. Respiratory exposures can produce wheezing and shortness of breath.