Hi,
I am a sales rep that works in diagnostics. From what I've seen platelet counts of 130 are relatively normal. They may fall out of the "normal" reference range for the cell counter used but I suspect this isn't a cause for concern.
Just my two cents knowing how these measurements are taken and calculated from the technology side. If you ran the same sample 10 times you may have some results fall below 140 and some above. Peoples platelet counts remain pretty consistent over time so this is probably normal for him.
I doubt that ASA or Plavix is causing his platelet count to be lower. It is extremely important for stent patients to take these medications-please don't consider stopping the meds unless your physician directs you otherwise.
Again, I'm just a rep and not an MD...not even close. Just my two cents from somebody who works around labs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MelodyL
Okay!!!
He just came back from Dr. Fred. He got the results of his latest blood work. Dr. Fred gave him the results.
His Platelet count was 130 (which was in the Low column on the paper)
Normal platelet count is 140-400
Tryglicerides are 202.
His cholesterol is 234. His HDL is 32. His LDL is 162. His cholesterol/HDL/Ratio is 7.3.
His iron was normal at 72. His TIBC was 232 (this has always had an odd number). His Transferrin Saturation is 31. His TSH -3rd generation is 2.98. His T4, FREE is 1.1. So I gather this is fine.
Dr. Fred said his high cholesterol might be due to lack of exercise. (can't go because of Foot Ulcer).
Now Alan LOVES bars. Dr. Fred said "as long as the bars don't contain cholesterol, that's no problem."
Dr. Fred put him on Crestor. 10 mgs.
Alan has been (since his stent), on plavix and aspirin therapy.
We DO eat healthy, but Alan is a sugar junkie. All the bars have sugar. He has a coffee roll at Dunkin every morning. He loves the coffee roll (he has officially had his last coffee roll (his words). He eats about 4 bars a day. He likes the cereal bars. He told Dr. Fred about the cereal bars and Dr. Fred said "they are okay, as long as they don't have cholesterol". I checked, they don't.
Now I eat way more fish than he does. He eats chicken, whole wheat spaghetti with turkey meatballs.
But he literally LOVES these bars, and might that have contributed to the odd numbers (the platelet and the cholesterol)??.
Or could the fact that he takes aspirin and plavix every day, lead to low platelet count?
All of the other blood work was normal.
Dr. Fred said "we'll re-do this test next month". "I want to see if the platelets go UP or DOWN, or if it's a true reading. Then we'll figure out if it's the medication or what" Dr. Fred also said: "This could also be a false reading"
So I would REALLY appreciate someone explaining the Platelet count.
Under CBC, (including DIFF/PLT), his WBC is 6.4. His RBC is 5.21, Hemogloin is 15.0, Hematocrit is 43.3. MCV is 83.1. MCH is 28.7. RDW is 15.0 and everything else in the CBC thing is all normal. Only the Platelet number was off.
To say that my mind is spinning is putting it mildly.
Thanks to ANYONE who can explain this. Alan did not want to pin Dr. Fred down by asking him a million questions.
Thank god I wasn't there, because we would have never left until I had more answers.
P.S. I just got this off of the internet. I googled Side Effects of Plavix
What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood condition in which small clots thrombi) begin to develop within the blood circulation, resulting in the consumption of platelets and thus a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Characteristics of the blood disorder are low red blood cell counts, low platelet counts, abnormalities in kidney function, and neurological (nervous system) abnormalities.
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