Question 1

What is Thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytosis is a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of platelets in the blood, increasing the risk of inappropriate blood clot formation. It is caused by either bone marrow disorders producing excess platelets (primary thrombocytosis) or underlying conditions like inflammation, infection, or iron deficiency (secondary thrombocytosis). The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most important test for diagnosis, as it directly measures platelet levels and provides critical information about blood cell composition.

Question 2

What causes thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytosis is caused by either bone marrow disorders that produce too many platelets (primary thrombocytosis) or underlying medical conditions that trigger increased platelet production (secondary thrombocytosis). Primary thrombocytosis results from mutations in bone marrow stem cells, leading to uncontrolled platelet production. Secondary thrombocytosis is more common and can be triggered by chronic inflammation, infections, iron deficiency anemia, cancer, recent surgery, or tissue damage that signals your body to produce more platelets as part of the healing response.

Question 3

What is the best test for thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most important test for thrombocytosis because it directly measures your platelet count along with other critical blood components like red blood cells and white blood cells. This test detects elevated platelet levels above 450,000 per microliter of blood, which is the diagnostic threshold for thrombocytosis. The CBC with differential also provides valuable information about other blood cells that help your doctor determine whether you have primary thrombocytosis from a bone marrow disorder or secondary thrombocytosis from an underlying condition like inflammation or infection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or unusual bleeding or bruising that seems out of proportion to minor injuries. Testing is also important if you have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, vision changes, or a history of blood clots. Many people with mild thrombocytosis have no symptoms, so you should consider testing if you have risk factors like chronic inflammatory conditions, recent surgery, iron deficiency, or cancer, as these can trigger elevated platelet counts that need monitoring.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Many people with thrombocytosis have no noticeable symptoms, especially when platelet counts are only mildly elevated. When symptoms do occur, you might experience frequent headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or weakness. Some people notice unusual bleeding from the gums or nose, easy bruising, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. In more severe cases, you could develop blood clots that cause symptoms like leg pain and swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or stroke-like symptoms such as vision changes or slurred speech.

Question 6

Who is at risk for thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk for secondary thrombocytosis. Your risk increases if you have active infections, iron deficiency anemia, or cancer, as these conditions trigger your body to produce more platelets. Recent major surgery, significant tissue trauma, or spleen removal also elevate risk. Primary thrombocytosis typically affects adults over age 50 and is more common in women, though it can occur at any age due to genetic mutations in bone marrow cells.

Question 7

What happens if thrombocytosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated thrombocytosis can lead to dangerous blood clots forming in your arteries and veins, potentially causing heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolism. These clots can block blood flow to vital organs, resulting in permanent tissue damage or life-threatening complications. Paradoxically, very high platelet counts can also cause bleeding problems because the excessive platelets may not function properly. Long-term untreated primary thrombocytosis can rarely progress to more serious blood disorders like myelofibrosis or acute leukemia, making early detection and management crucial.

Question 8

Can thrombocytosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, thrombocytosis is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which measures the number of platelets in your blood. This test is the primary diagnostic tool and shows whether your platelet count exceeds the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter. Your doctor may order additional blood tests like iron studies, inflammatory markers, or genetic testing to determine whether you have primary thrombocytosis from a bone marrow disorder or secondary thrombocytosis from an underlying medical condition.

Question 9

How is thrombocytosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for thrombocytosis depends on whether you have the primary or secondary form and your risk of blood clots. Secondary thrombocytosis often resolves once the underlying condition like infection, inflammation, or iron deficiency is treated. For primary thrombocytosis or high-risk cases, treatment may include low-dose aspirin to reduce clotting risk, medications like hydroxyurea or anagrelide to lower platelet production, or in rare urgent cases, a procedure called plateletpheresis to quickly remove excess platelets from your blood.

Question 10

How can I prevent thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent primary thrombocytosis caused by genetic bone marrow mutations, you can reduce your risk of secondary thrombocytosis by managing underlying health conditions effectively. Treat infections promptly, manage chronic inflammatory conditions with your doctor, and address iron deficiency through proper nutrition or supplementation. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can help reduce inflammation that triggers excess platelet production. Regular health checkups and blood work can catch elevated platelet counts early before complications develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for thrombocytosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support your treatment plan by staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can increase blood thickness and clotting risk. Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed, which have natural anti-clotting properties. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can affect platelet function and increase complications. Stay active with regular gentle exercise like walking to promote healthy circulation, but check with your doctor before starting intense activities if you have very high platelet counts. Monitor for warning signs like unusual headaches or leg swelling and report them promptly to your healthcare provider.

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.
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            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.
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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.
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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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Thrombocytosis Blood Test

What is Thrombocytosis?

What causes thrombocytosis?

What is the best test for thrombocytosis?

When should I get tested for thrombocytosis?

References

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