Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
Platelet count test
Number of platelets in blood; low counts can increase bleeding risk. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Platelets are tiny cell pieces that help your blood clot and stop bleeding. This counts how many are in your blood.
Why it matters for women
Heavy periods or easy bruising can be a sign of low platelets. A mild drop can be common late in pregnancy, but a low count can also be part of preeclampsia, a high blood pressure problem in pregnancy. An immune condition that can lower platelets is more common in women, and low iron can push counts up.
You might check it if…
- you bruise easily or get tiny red spots on your skin
- your periods are very heavy or last a long time
- your gums or nose bleed easily
- you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy
What your result may mean
High Platelet count: what it may mean
High platelets (thrombocytosis) may happen with iron deficiency, inflammation, infection or recent surgery, and after spleen removal (post-splenectomy). In some cases, a bone marrow condition called a myeloproliferative disease can be the reason. Heavy periods can lower iron, and low iron can push platelets up, so women may see these results together. Many people may have no symptoms, while very high counts can bring headaches, dizziness, clots or bleeding. A clinician may check ferritin or signs of inflammation and repeat the count.
Low Platelet count: what it may mean
Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) may mean your blood clots less easily, and they can raise your risk of bleeding. They can happen with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), some medicines, liver disease, alcohol use or bone marrow suppression. A mild drop can occur late in pregnancy, and a low count can also be part of preeclampsia, a high blood pressure problem in pregnancy. Easy bruising, nosebleeds, heavy periods or tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae) may appear, though a mild drop may cause no symptoms. Platelets can clump in the collection tube, which can make the count look falsely low.
Get started
Stop guessing. Start testing.
Answer a few questions. We’ll suggest tests linked to how you feel, with a clear price for every test.
No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.