What does a low platelet count signify?
Low Platelet Count A low platelet count (called thrombocytopenia) refers to an abnormally low number of platelets, the particles in blood that help with clotting. As a result, blood does not clot normally. Usually, the platelet count is about 150,000 to 350,000 platelets in a microliter of blood. In people with a low platelet count, bleeding is more likely to occur, even after a slight injury. When the platelet count is very low (below 20,000), massive bleeding may occur even when there is no injury. Bleeding may be life threatening Causes Leukemia, lymphomas, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, which causes AIDS), and a variety of other bone marrow disorders can have this effect. Or the platelet count may decrease if the spleen enlarges and traps platelets. Thus, fewer platelets are in the bloodstream. Myelofibrosis and some forms of cirrhosis can have this effect. The body may use or destroy too many platelets. HIV infection, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), idiopa
