Platelets

[Liberty82]

Hi, could possibly someone tell me if platelets are included in standard LFTs? Or are the included in a full blood count or do you have to specifically ask for the test? Thanks x

[Hidden]

I don't think that platelets are measured as part of a liver function test. Platelets are included as part of a full blood count (FBC) or a fasting blood exam (FBE).

Platelets have always appeared on my blood test results because my GP routinely requests a blood test (FBC or FBE) together with a liver function test (MBA20) and iron studies to measure iron, transferrin, TIBC, saturation & ferritin.

A very low platelet count is typically seen with cirrhosis however other conditions can also cause platelets to be low. The normal range for platelets here in Australia is 150 - 450 (x10*9/L). I don't have fibrosis or cirrhosis however my platelet count is below normal more often than not varying between a low of 135 to a high of 166. With cirrhosis platelet counts would typically be much lower than my figures. The healthier my lifestyle (including living clean of things like painkillers etc.) the higher my platelet count and the lower my ferritin level tend to be.

[gertrudestein]

Hi

Here in France, I try to have my platelet count included in my routine blood tests because it has always been a bit borderline low ever since my diagnosis with AIH just over a year ago. My consultant tried to scare me by saying just a small scratch could lead to me bleeding to death(!) but when I saw my own GP yesterday for a routine check up, he said not to worry, sometimes these things can be just naturally low. I had queried whether this would prevent me from having a minor surgical procedure for something quite unconnected with my liver problems.

Funnily enough, I was a blood donor for forty years and was often criticised by the nurses for being "a slow bleeder"!

[Pishi123]

Hi when I have my full blood count the platelets are included as well. The reasin I know is because mine are low. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Platelets can be added to a liver bloods test by a doctor if needed, but more often they would be tested as a part of a Full Blood Count test, which would include; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Trust1

[davianne]

Hi Liberty, platelets have always been included in my LFT bloods, but I think that's because mine are very low......Clotting very slow,

David

[Cat-B]

They in FBC, full blood count.

[Liberty82]

Thanks guys, I had a FBC 2 weeks ago due to feeling dizzy and some neuro issues so I'll contact my GP x

[Ecinet]

Hi, here in the US I get a full CBC work up every three months. It provides the scores needed to check my meld score and platelets, etc...low platelets become the new norm with cirrhosis. I find that getting my bloodwork done and studying my scores helps me and I can hone in on anything that has changed enough that it catches my eye. Do you get yours every three months and do they give you your meld score? I think regular bloodwork is very important...