QuestionThank you for replying so promptly. My platelet reads 5L and the normal range is 130-400 by 1000/mm3 in Units. The L is for Low on the abreviation. I just need to know if I'm in danger. I'm getting a lupus test read on Thursday to rule out that disease.
Thanks
Jennifer
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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Hello. I recently was tested for ankylosing spondylitis and I tested positivefor the HLA-B27 antigen. My physician gave me my lab work and it says I have a platelet count of 5 (130-400) and a WBC of 2.5L. The platelet count is causing me to be concerned. Can you give me any insight about platelets and how low is too low?
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Hello, how are you? A HLA-B27 test can be supportive or be used to rule out AS and other autoimmune diseases like Reiter's syndrome. A positive result can mean numerous things though. Platelet aggregration problems such as thrombocytopenia may accompany these types of diseases, but 130-400 is a wide range. What's the exact count? What are the units of measurement for your platelet count? Look at your lab report, it should explain what the units are and what is the normal range. Because for an adult, a normal count is about 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter. I think your WBC is a bit low. But "normal" ranges different between individual labs due to many factors; such as patient age, sex, sample population, lab method,etc...Your doctor should have explained your results to you when he/she gave them to you. Be sure to let him/her be aware of any questions or concerns you may have. He/she has all your tests results, and based on his/her evaluation and knowlegde, he/she should be able to provide you the best answers for your questions and the best treatment for you. Thank you.
AnswerOh, I see, I apologize Ma'am, I didn't read your message right. Well, in my experience, a platelet count of 5 X 1000 per mm3 is critically low. Though, there are many explanations for this. Are you predisposed to bleeding? Certain types of medications can also cause decreased platelet counts. Also, you should have the blood redrawn just to make sure it wasn't a lab error. Your doctor should know what to do. Good luck and God bless.
