How to Diagnose Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a condition where the platelet count in the blood is low. Platelets help the blood clot after injury, and a severely reduced platelet count can result in excessive bleeding or impaired ability to clot. The primary symptoms are spontaneous bleeding, especially from mucosal linings and easy bruising. In many cases, however, thrombocytopenia is asymptomatic and may be diagnosed on a routine blood draw. When a physician diagnoses thrombocytopenia, she also determines what disease or condition is causing a low platelet count.

Things You'll Need

• Blood test

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Instructions

Diagnosing Thrombocytopenia

• 1

  Conduct a thorough patient history to rule out potential conditions that reduce platelet count. Certain drugs can destroy platelets. A recent blood transfusion or systemic disease also will diminish platelet count.

• 2

  Perform a physical examination on the patient, including palpation of the spleen. If the spleen is entrapping platelets, it will be enlarged. Use your hands to feel under the patient's left rib cage to determine if the spleen is abnormally large.

• 3

  Run lab tests on a blood sample to determine platelet count. A complete blood count (CBC) can measure the amount of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. A low platelet count can help diagnose thrombocytopenia. A measurement of 150,000 platelets or less per microliter of blood indicates thrombocytopenia.

• 4

  Conduct a bone marrow test if you suspect the bone marrow is not producing sufficient blood cells, including platelets. A bone marrow biopsy can identify leukemia and aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure). These diseases can lower blood cell count, resulting in thrombocytopenia. Some chemotherapy drugs also can reduce platelet production in bone marrow.