Thrombocytes, also called platelets, are a type of blood cell found in the human body that helps our blood to clot. Along with red blood cells and white blood cells, platelet levels are assessed with a comprehensive blood count (CBC). Specifically, the platelet evaluation includes: platelet count, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width. Most people have a CBC performed as a part of a routine health examination. A CBC may also be ordered when a person has signs and symptoms that may indicate a disorder involving blood cells, such as:
-Fatigue, weakness
-Bruising
-Bleeding
-Infection
-Inflammation
In addition, when a person is diagnosed with a disease known to affect blood cells then a healthcare professional will order routine CBCs to monitor the condition. Similarly, if someone is receiving treatment for a blood-related disorder, then a CBC will be ordered routinely to determine the efficacy of the treatment. Further, when someone is taking medications known to affect bone marrow production of cells or decrease white blood cell count overall (e.g., chemotherapy), routine CBC can be used to monitor the treatment.
Thrombocytes
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