Signs and Symptoms
There are a few indications to look out for when thrombocytopenia is the suspected disorder an individual is suffering from. We know that thrombocytopenia is caused by a low platelet (Thrombocyte) count which would result in a bodies hindered ability to perform important blood clotting functions [2]. Most of the time the symptoms aren’t life threatening and in mild cases the person suffering from the disorder doesn't even experience any related symptoms [3]. In severe cases, this disorder can cause uncontrollable bleeding on the brain which ultimately leads to death [2]. The lower the platelet count gets the more dangerous the disorder becomes to the individual. Some symptoms include easy or excessive bruising on the body (purpura), superficial bleeding into the skin that resembles a rash on pin-point sized little reddish-purple spots (petechiae) which are most commonly on the lower legs, Prolonged bleeding even from minor cuts, bleeding gums or nose …show more content…
The blood test involves either a complete blood count (CBC) test or a blood smear or a bone marrow test. The CBC is when the doctor draws blood from the patient’s arm. The levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are measured. If the platelet count is low, the patient has thrombocytopenia. A blood smear involves a small amount of blood being drawn from the patient. The blood is then assessed under a microscope and the appearance of the platelets are observed. The bone marrow test is checking whether the patient’s bone marrow is healthy or not. Platelets along with blood cells are produced inside the bone marrow. Fluid from the bone marrow is drawn from the patient with a needle and the doctor then examines the fluid under a microscope to see the form of the platelets and if the bone marrow is making enough of the platelets
There are a few indications to look out for when thrombocytopenia is the suspected disorder an individual is suffering from. We know that thrombocytopenia is caused by a low platelet (Thrombocyte) count which would result in a bodies hindered ability to perform important blood clotting functions [2]. Most of the time the symptoms aren’t life threatening and in mild cases the person suffering from the disorder doesn't even experience any related symptoms [3]. In severe cases, this disorder can cause uncontrollable bleeding on the brain which ultimately leads to death [2]. The lower the platelet count gets the more dangerous the disorder becomes to the individual. Some symptoms include easy or excessive bruising on the body (purpura), superficial bleeding into the skin that resembles a rash on pin-point sized little reddish-purple spots (petechiae) which are most commonly on the lower legs, Prolonged bleeding even from minor cuts, bleeding gums or nose …show more content…
The blood test involves either a complete blood count (CBC) test or a blood smear or a bone marrow test. The CBC is when the doctor draws blood from the patient’s arm. The levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are measured. If the platelet count is low, the patient has thrombocytopenia. A blood smear involves a small amount of blood being drawn from the patient. The blood is then assessed under a microscope and the appearance of the platelets are observed. The bone marrow test is checking whether the patient’s bone marrow is healthy or not. Platelets along with blood cells are produced inside the bone marrow. Fluid from the bone marrow is drawn from the patient with a needle and the doctor then examines the fluid under a microscope to see the form of the platelets and if the bone marrow is making enough of the platelets