To diagnose and find the cause of low platelets (thrombocytopenia), your doctor
will:
- Interview you about your medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Do blood tests
Medical history
Your medical history will include discussion about:
- Signs and symptoms of bleeding
- Illnesses such as chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C that could cause a lowered platelet count and bleeding
- Medicines such as interferon for hepatitis C or chemotherapy that you take that could cause a lowered platelet count and bleeding
Blood tests
Your doctor will do a blood test, which may include:
- A complete blood count (CBC) which includes a count of your platelets. When your platelets are less than 150,000 per microliter of blood, you have low platelets
- A blood smear, which is done to double-check the number of platelets
Working closely with your doctor can help him or her find the cause of your low platelets. Be sure to talk openly with your doctor and ask any questions you may have.
Thrombocytopenia means that the number of platelets in your blood is low. Platelets are the cells that help your blood to clot, which can help to stop bleeding.
