MCQ Detailed View

Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small cell fragments in human blood that play a vital role in clotting and wound healing. They are produced in the bone marrow from large precursor cells called megakaryocytes. Even though platelets are much smaller than red and white blood cells, their function is essential for preventing blood loss during injuries.

The normal platelet count range in healthy human blood is 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. This unit, microliter, is crucial because blood cell counts are always measured per microliter, not per liter. Expressed in scientific notation, the normal range is approximately 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per µL of blood.

When the platelet count drops below 150,000, the condition is known as thrombocytopenia, which can cause easy bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding, or in severe cases, internal bleeding. On the other hand, when the platelet count rises above 450,000, it is called thrombocytosis or thrombocythemia, which increases the risk of abnormal clot formation (thrombosis) that can block blood flow.

Maintaining a balanced platelet count is important. Too few platelets can result in excessive bleeding, while too many can cause dangerous clotting. Platelet levels can be influenced by infections, certain medications, bone marrow disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic conditions.

Doctors often check platelet counts as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, which helps assess overall blood health. Abnormal platelet counts are used as diagnostic indicators for many conditions, including dengue fever, leukemia, and bone marrow diseases.

In conclusion, the normal platelet count in human blood is 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh per microliter of blood. This range ensures proper clotting, and any significant deviation can indicate underlying health issues requiring medical attention.