Question 1

What is Thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocythemia is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high number of platelets in the blood, which increases the risk of blood clots and bleeding complications. It is caused by overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow, either as a primary condition (essential thrombocythemia) or secondary to other diseases or inflammation. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets is the most important test for diagnosing thrombocythemia because it measures total platelet count and Mean Platelet Volume.

Question 2

What causes thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocythemia is caused by excessive production of platelets in the bone marrow. In essential thrombocythemia, a genetic mutation in the JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes triggers bone marrow cells to produce too many platelets without an obvious underlying cause. Secondary thrombocythemia occurs when another condition such as chronic inflammation, iron deficiency, infection, cancer, or recent surgery stimulates increased platelet production as a reactive response. The excess platelets can clump together and form dangerous blood clots in arteries and veins throughout the body.

Question 3

What is the best test for thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets is the most important test for thrombocythemia because it directly measures your platelet count and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). This test reveals whether your platelet levels are abnormally high (typically above 450,000 platelets per microliter) and whether the platelets themselves are larger than normal, which indicates overproduction by the bone marrow. The CBC also evaluates your red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin levels to help distinguish between primary and secondary causes of elevated platelets. If thrombocythemia is confirmed, your doctor may recommend additional genetic testing to identify specific mutations associated with essential thrombocythemia.

Question 4

When should I get tested for thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained blood clots, unusual bleeding or bruising, persistent headaches, dizziness, or vision changes. Testing is also important if you have numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, chest pain, or an enlarged spleen discovered during a physical exam. Many people with thrombocythemia have no symptoms and discover the condition through routine blood work, so getting tested during annual checkups is valuable, especially if you have a family history of blood disorders or are over age 50 when essential thrombocythemia is most commonly diagnosed.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

Many people with thrombocythemia have no symptoms and discover the condition through routine blood work. When symptoms do occur, they typically result from abnormal blood clotting or bleeding and include persistent headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, chest pain, and weakness. You might also experience tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums. Some people develop blood clots in their legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or other organs, while others notice an enlarged spleen that causes fullness or discomfort in the upper left abdomen.

Question 6

Who is at risk for thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

Essential thrombocythemia most commonly affects people over age 50, though it can occur at any age, with women slightly more likely to develop it than men. Your risk increases if you have a family history of blood disorders or carry genetic mutations in the JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes. Secondary thrombocythemia can affect anyone with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, iron deficiency anemia, recent surgery or trauma, active infections, or certain cancers. People who have had their spleen removed are also at higher risk because the spleen normally helps regulate platelet levels in the blood.

Question 7

What happens if thrombocythemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated thrombocythemia significantly increases your risk of developing dangerous blood clots that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. The excess platelets can also paradoxically cause bleeding problems, including severe nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, or excessive bleeding after injuries or surgery. Over time, untreated essential thrombocythemia may progress to more serious blood disorders such as myelofibrosis, where scar tissue replaces bone marrow, or in rare cases, acute myeloid leukemia. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce these risks and help you maintain a normal quality of life.

Question 8

Can thrombocythemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, thrombocythemia is primarily diagnosed with a blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets. This test measures your platelet count and reveals if it is abnormally elevated, typically above 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. The CBC also provides information about Mean Platelet Volume and other blood cell counts that help distinguish between primary and secondary causes of high platelets. If your CBC shows elevated platelets, your doctor may order additional tests including genetic screening for JAK2, CALR, and MPL mutations, and sometimes a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other blood disorders.

Question 9

How is thrombocythemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for thrombocythemia depends on your age, symptom severity, and risk of blood clots. Low-risk patients may only need regular monitoring with blood tests and low-dose aspirin to prevent clotting. For higher-risk patients, medications like hydroxyurea, anagrelide, or interferon alpha can reduce platelet production in the bone marrow. In emergency situations where platelet counts are dangerously high, a procedure called plateletpheresis can quickly remove excess platelets from your blood. Your doctor will also address any underlying conditions causing secondary thrombocythemia, such as treating iron deficiency or managing inflammatory diseases, which often resolves the elevated platelet count.

Question 10

How can I prevent thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

Essential thrombocythemia caused by genetic mutations cannot be prevented, as the genetic changes occur spontaneously and are not inherited in most cases. However, you can reduce your risk of secondary thrombocythemia by maintaining adequate iron levels through a balanced diet, managing chronic inflammatory conditions with proper medical care, and seeking prompt treatment for infections. If you have thrombocythemia, you can prevent complications by taking prescribed medications consistently, avoiding smoking, staying well-hydrated, exercising regularly to promote healthy circulation, and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor your platelet levels and adjust treatment as needed.

Question 11

What can I do at home for thrombocythemia?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure thrombocythemia, you can support your treatment plan by staying well-hydrated to maintain healthy blood flow and reduce clotting risk. Avoid activities that increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, and be cautious with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or other NSAIDs that can interfere with platelet function. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, which support overall blood health. Regular gentle exercise like walking or swimming promotes circulation without excessive injury risk. Monitor yourself for signs of blood clots or unusual bleeding and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Thrombocythemia Blood Test

What is Thrombocythemia?

What causes thrombocythemia?

What is the best test for thrombocythemia?

When should I get tested for thrombocythemia?

References

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