Full Form of PC Test

Platelets are cytoplasmatic pieces of bone marrow megakaryocytes, measuring 3-5 m in diameter and 4.5-11 fL in volume . A single megakaryocyte produces 1500-2000 of them, which circulate in the circulation for 7-10 days. Inactivated platelets in the blood are discoid in form and lack a nucleus. 

Their cytoplasm comprises three types of granules (alpha, dense, and lysosomal granules), secretory vesicles containing pre-formed molecules, and a complicated membranous system.

Platelets are dynamic blood particles that, coupled with coagulation factors, have the primary role of haemostasis, or the prevention of bleeding. Platelets communicate with one another, as well as with leukocytes and endothelial cells, as they scan the vascular bed for areas of damage and become activated. 

Platelets alter form when stimulated, increasing their surface area, and bioactive chemicals housed inside their alpha and dense granules' molecules are quickly released.

What is a PC?

Platelet count (PC) is another term for thrombocyte count, platelet count test (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV). The platelet count in the blood is determined by this test. Platelets, which are small pieces of cells, are also known as thrombocytes. They play a crucial part in the regular coagulation of blood.

The average amount of platelets in the blood is determined by a platelet blood count. Platelets are blood cells that aid in the healing of wounds and the prevention of excessive bleeding. Platelet count is used to monitor and diagnose various medical disorders, as well as to determine the reason for excessive bleeding or clotting.

Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count that is lower than normal. This might be because of cancer therapy or autoimmune illnesses. Certain infections and iron deficiencies can cause an abnormally large quantity of platelets, known as thrombocytosis.

Changes in platelet count may suggest a persistent sickness or a problem with the bone marrow, but other testing may be necessary to determine the particular medical condition.

Platelets contribute to the inflammatory process, microbial host defence, wound healing, angiogenesis, and remodeling, in addition to their crucial involvement in haemostasis and thrombosis . 

Platelets produce around 300 proteins and tiny molecules from their granules (chemokines, cytokines such as interleukin-1, CD40 ligands, -thromboglobulin, growth factors, and so on), which might alter vascular wall and circulating immune cell activity. Microbicidal proteins and antibacterial peptides are also secreted by platelets.

Platelets also facilitate leukocyte migration from the circulation to tissues via the artery wall. Platelets may produce reactive oxygen species, and the oxidative stress associated with inflammation can also activate platelets. Because platelets have the power to impact other cells, they can play a variety of important functions in the pathophysiology of

What does a PC test for?

The platelet count determines the amount of platelets in the blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are microscopic cell fragments. These are created by megakaryocytes, which are big cells present in bone marrow. Platelets are discharged into the bloodstream once they have created.

When a tissue or a blood artery is injured, bleeding begins. Platelets assist to halt the bleeding in three ways at this point:

• Platelets will cling to the damage site.
• Platelets will gather at the location of the damage.
• Platelets will produce chemical substances that induce the formation of new platelets.

A loose platelet connection occurs at the site of damage as a result of these stages. This is referred to as primary hemostasis. Platelets that have been activated begin to promote the coagulation cascade, which consists of a number of processes that include the successive activation of clotting factors. 

Secondary hemostasis occurs as a result of the production of fibrin strands that knit through the loose platelet connection to form a fibrin net. The link is then squeezed to produce a stable clot that will remain in place until the damage heals. Once the damage has healed, additional forces enter the picture and break it down so that it may be removed.

A stable clot may not form if the platelets are insufficient in quantity or are not working correctly. These unstable clots might raise the risk of severe bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count. When it is greater than typical, it is referred to as thrombocytosis. Either might be a symptom of a medical problem or a side effect of medication. 

A platelet count that is outside of the normal range will almost certainly necessitate further testing to determine the cause.

A blood test is a complete blood count (CBC). It is used to assess general health and detect a variety of disorders such as anaemia, infection, and leukaemia.

The following are the results of a full blood count test:

• Red blood cells transport oxygen.
• White blood cells combat infections.
• The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, haemoglobin
• Hematocrit is the number of red blood cells in a person's blood.
• Platelets, which aid in blood clotting

A full blood count might reveal unexpected changes in cell counts. These alterations might indicate a medical problem that need more examination.

A complete blood count is a frequent blood test used for a variety of purposes, including:

• To assess general health. A complete blood count can be performed as part of a medical assessment to assess overall health and look for diseases such as anaemia or leukaemia.
• To determine the cause of a medical illness. A complete blood count can assist in determining the source of symptoms such as weakness, exhaustion, and fever. It can also assist in determining the source of swelling and discomfort, bruising, or bleeding.
• To Inquire about a medical problem. A complete blood count can assist in monitoring conditions that alter blood cell counts.
• To inquire about medical care. A complete blood count may be used to monitor therapy with blood cell count-lowering medications and radiation.

The Interpretation of PC Results

The typical platelet count per microliter of blood varies from 150,000 to 410,000 platelets.

Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count. Platelets are diminished in illnesses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia, viral infections (such as mononucleosis, hepatitis, measles, or HIV), and some medications (e.g., ibuprofen and aspirin).
 

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, recurrent bleeding from stomach ulcers, sepsis, and cirrhosis are all illnesses that can cause a reduction in platelet count.

In addition, autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and exposure to harmful substances (e.g., pesticides, arsenic, or benzene) can cause low platelet count.

Some tumors, such as lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma, have a high platelet count. In addition, illnesses such as iron deficiency anemia and hemolytic anemia, inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis, TB), and the use of birth control pills can all lead to an increase in platelet count.

The tests that can be ordered are determined by the reason and the findings of the CBC and peripheral smear. They may include: 

• Tests for infectious diseases such as dengue
• Tests for bleeding disorders such as PT and PTT
• Iron studies
• Liver disease tests
• In exceptional circumstances, a bone marrow biopsy should be performed.