A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) of blood. However, the normal range may vary slightly between laboratories and is usually listed on the test report as the “reference range” or “normal range.”
Both low and high platelet counts can be caused by medications, infections, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and, less commonly, blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
If your platelet levels are outside the normal range, it is important to see a healthcare provider to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment, if needed.
Platelets are small blood cell fragments made in the bone marrow that play an important role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets collect at the site and form a clot to help stop the bleeding.
However, some bleeding and clotting disorders do not change the platelet count. This means that even a normal platelet count should be interpreted by a healthcare provider together with your symptoms and other blood test results.