Every conscientious parent takes care of the health of their child. The desire to learn more about the results of blood tests, about their decoding is not forbidden, but you need to know when to stop. Below we will discuss the moments when elevated platelets in the blood of a child are found.
What are platelets
Before proceeding with the deciphering of the analysis, it is worth figuring out what platelets are. Platelets are platelets, the smallest blood cells.
Blood cells also include leukocytes and erythrocytes. Together with platelets, they make up the bulk of blood cells.
The functions of platelets are very diverse, but their role in the body is to control the performance of blood vessels by releasing various biological substances. The well-known function of platelets is their participation in the process of blood clotting. In this case, the level of platelets is associated with the formation of bleeding and blood clots.
Normal platelet count in children
Before talking about pathological changes in the composition of the blood, let's dwell on the indicators that are normal.
In children under 1 year old, the platelet count is 180 - 400 * 10 * 9 / l, then with age, the number will gradually decrease to 160 - 360 * 10 * 9 / l.
Conditions in which platelets are elevated in a child
An increased number of platelets in the blood is called thrombocytosis.
The reasons for their increased level may be:
- enhanced processes of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, which leads to a high concentration of platelets in the blood and other formed elements;
- high platelet consumption, as a result of which there is a compensatory increase in their number;
- infectious process (tuberculosis);
- taking medications and others.
A high level of platelets in the blood is dangerous because it leads to thickening of the blood and an increased risk of blood clots. The child's platelets are increased or not, only the doctor will tell you more accurately.
Low platelet count
A few words should be said about low platelet count. Low platelet count in the blood - thrombocytopenia. Due to the fact that platelets are involved in blood clotting processes, a lack of them in the blood can lead to bleeding.
The reason for the low content of platelets in the blood may be, for example, inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis as a result of radiotherapy or if there are factors that lead to their destruction in the blood. The latter may include autoimmune diseases. There are times when thrombocytopenia is hereditary, for example, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Bernard-Soulier.
You can tell that your child has problems with platelets by the presence of a rash or bruising that quickly appears with any touch.
Analysis to determine the level of platelets in the blood
What tests can be prescribed, including counting the level of platelets in the blood? One of these tests is a general clinical blood test. This is a study of the level of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets together. Other blood counts may be determined depending on the equipment in the laboratory.
Most often, a hematology analyzer is used for a general clinical blood test. Therefore, there are a number of factors that affect the reliability of the results.
Sometimes, with inadequate or questionable indicators that do not correspond to the clinical picture, a separate study of platelet levels can be prescribed. It is carried out manually, and in this case it is more reliable, since it helps to avoid erroneous readings of the device.
How to prepare properly
One of the important components in preparing for a general blood test is the emotional calmness of the mother and child. Blood sampling is stressful and can lead to fluctuations in performance, so it is better to mentally prepare for this.
Blood must be donated on an empty stomach. But in infants this is difficult to comply with, so it is allowed to donate material between feedings.
Also, the child's hands should not be cold. At low temperatures, the capillaries spasm, the blood flow slows down, and the procedure can be delayed.
It is important to seat or lay the child so that he is comfortable.
Where to get the analysis for free and paid
If you have an MHI (compulsory health insurance) policy, you should conduct a study of the level of platelets in your blood free of charge. If suddenly, for some reason, you do not have the desire or opportunity to visit your medical institution to which you are attached, then you can contact any medical center that provides paid services.
How much does platelet determination in Moscow laboratories cost?
Determining the number of platelets in a general clinical blood test in Moscow laboratories will cost you 250-400 rubles, in addition you may be required to pay for blood sampling. In order not to be deceived, visit the website of a specific medical center. There is almost always a price list.
You can also additionally request a manual method of counting platelets (according to Fonio). It will cost you somewhere in the 200-300 rubles. Some medical centers do not separately conduct a manual platelet test, only as an additional method. Therefore, one must be prepared for this.
Decoding indicators
When receiving the results of research on hand, for example, in a paid center, many parents immediately begin to explore the vastness of the Internet. They check the level of platelets in the blood according to unreliable sources, make a conclusion themselves, and prescribe treatment.
Parents who care about the health of their child will turn to a specialist, for example, a pediatrician or hematologist, to decipher the analysis. If deviations are found, the patient will be referred to additional research methods to clarify the reasons.
Conclusion
Summing up, I would like to draw attention to the role platelets play in our body - maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. A deviation in one direction or another can lead to serious disturbances in the circulation of blood flow through the vessels. Therefore, you should not deal with deciphering the results yourself, and even more so with self-medication.
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