“Borderline” full blood count (platelet count) test result.

Last week I was asked to do some blood tests by my GP following an episode of PAF and an odd “quivering” sensation. Apparently one of the tests- one of the items under the full blood count- came back as “borderline-needs to be repeated.” The specific test seems to be the platelet count which was reported as: “131 10*9/L [135.0 - 450.0]. Below low reference limit.” I haven’t been able to speak to a GP to get any more information, including when the test needs to be repeated. Does anyone know what a “borderline” platelet count might be an indication of? I’m hoping it’s not something dire.

[CDreamer]

Depends on which platelet count or whether it was overall white cell count? Red cell count? Sounds very marginal & everyone’s ‘norms’ vary anyway.

Whenever I have any ‘borderline’ below normal range - which is most of the time due to my meds - my GP repeats several times & looks at my history to see if it’s a quick drop, general decline and checks my recent meds & monitors. My counts regularly go up & then below norm range. I tend to follow closely & often adjust my diet & supplements accordingly.

So I would say something to monitor & sounds like your surgery is on top of it.

Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks.

[davebakerpurton in reply to CDreamer]

I have a very similar thing, my count seems to go down in the autumn/winter then back up during spring summer, my GP now just accepts that's the way I am.

[Hidden]

Assuming you are talking specifically about Platelet Count, as CD says, people’s norms can vary. Around 17 years ago, my count was certainly lower than yours and I was referred to Haematology at our local hospital. They carried out certain tests and monitored it for a while and eventually came to the conclusion that the levels were norm for me. I still have annual checks and it shifts up and down a bit like a yo-yo. My other blood counts are in range. I raised it with my EP because I didn’t know if it would be an issue with anticoagulation but he said they start to get jittery if it goes below 50. I suggest you talk to your GP because low platelets relate to the immune system but assuming they remain reasonable stable, I doubt there is much to worry about......

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this reply

[Beta44]

My platelet count is the same and in my area the low reference limit is 150. Unless there is a specific cause nothing is done unless it gets to a very low level<50 there is no treatment. Mine is checked every year and oscillates around 135 (131/140). Haematology won’t let go so I have an annual check. There are a couple of recent studies that show 130 is normal for ageing men and that the low reference level should be lowered for them. Peter

[Hidden in reply to Beta44]

Thanks. Just before I saw this the GP rang and said I don’t need to retest, so I suppose 132 isn’t too bad.