Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
honeypot link
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Blood Disorders /
Platelet Disorders /
... /
Overview of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is a low platelet count?

What causes a low platelet count?

What are the symptoms of a low platelet count?

What tests do I need for a low platelet count?

How do doctors treat a low platelet count?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Platelet Disorders
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Overview of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a group of cancers that develop in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Although there are more than 50 different disorders that can be called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors sometimes group them into two broad categories: indolent lymphomas and aggressive lymphomas. Which of the following is characteristic of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

More Content

Quick Facts

Overview of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Oct 2019| Content last modified Oct 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details

What is a low platelet count?

Platelets are small cells that circulate in your bloodstream and help your blood clot. They're made in your bone marrow like other blood cells. Platelets are also called thrombocytes.

Your blood normally has a certain number of platelets in a given sample of blood. That number is your platelet count.

  • With a low platelet count, you bleed easily

  • You may have tiny purple spots on your skin and get nosebleeds and bleeding gums

  • A very low platelet count may cause bleeding in your brain or severe bleeding from your intestines

  • Many things can cause a low platelet count

  • Doctors may do tests to look for the cause

  • Doctors treat the cause of the low platelets and may give you a platelet transfusion

What causes a low platelet count?

Many things can cause a low platelet count:

What are the symptoms of a low platelet count?

The main symptom of low platelet count is excessive bleeding. You may have:

  • Tiny red spots on your skin or inside your mouth

  • Bruises after very minor injuries

  • Bleeding gums

  • Heavy menstrual periods

You're more likely to bleed the lower your platelet count drops. People who have very few platelets may bleed heavily from their intestines or have life-threatening bleeding in their brain.

What tests do I need for a low platelet count?

Sometimes the problem that caused your low platelet count is obvious, such as being pregnant, having a severe infection, or taking a certain drug.

If doctors aren't sure why your platelet count is low they may do:

  • Blood tests

  • Bone marrow biopsy (taking a sample of bone marrow to look at under a microscope)

How do doctors treat a low platelet count?

The main thing is to treat whatever caused the low platelet count. For example, if taking a drug caused your low platelet count, your doctor will stop giving you the drug if possible. If it was caused by an infection, your doctor will treat the infection.

Rarely, doctors will give you:

  • A platelet transfusion

  • Drugs to help your blood clot better

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Heparin
 PANHEPRIN
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Overview of Blood

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Platelet Disorders
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Overview of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)
Others also read
Overview of Thrombocytopenia Overview of Thrombocytopenia
Overview of Platelet Disorders Overview of Platelet Disorders
Platelet Dysfunction Platelet Dysfunction
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Test your knowledge

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a group of cancers that develop in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Although there are more than 50 different disorders that can be called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors sometimes group them into two broad categories: indolent lymphomas and aggressive lymphomas. Which of the following is characteristic of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP