Small platelet cell fragments
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High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.
About Platelet Count
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About Platelet Count
Overview and History
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are anucleate cell fragments produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Identified in the late 19th century for their role in clot formation, they are counted per microliter to quantify circulating platelet mass and to monitor blood homeostasis.
Functionally, platelets form the primary platelet plug during hemostasis, release granules that promote aggregation and vessel repair, and carry surface receptors and signaling molecules that link vascular integrity with inflammatory and immune responses. Their activity connects clotting, tissue repair, and systemic responses to injury or stress.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated platelet counts may reflect reactive processes such as inflammation, infection, iron deficiency, recent bleeding, or recovery after bone marrow suppression; they can also indicate increased marrow production or reduced clearance. Persistent elevation should be interpreted with inflammatory markers, iron studies, and clinical context.
Low platelet counts can result from reduced production (bone marrow stress or nutrient limitations), increased destruction or consumption, or sequestration in the spleen. Low values can affect clotting capacity and are best understood alongside other Blood Health markers, coagulation tests, and symptom review rather than in isolation.
Featured Test
Platelet Count is included in the Foundation Zoomer’s Blood Health domain to reflect clotting potential, marrow output, and inflammatory activity. Combined with red and white cell indices, iron studies, and inflammatory markers, it helps identify system-level patterns and guides targeted clinical follow-up.
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Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
