Platelet Count Normal Range
| Status | Count (per µL or /mm³) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 1,50,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Mild thrombocytopenia | 1,00,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Moderate thrombocytopenia | 50,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Severe thrombocytopenia | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Critical — bleeding risk | <20,000 |
| High (thrombocytosis) | >4,00,000 |
What does LOW platelet count mean?
LOW Platelets below 1,50,000 — Thrombocytopenia
Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Common causes: Dengue fever (most common acute cause in India — platelets can drop rapidly within 3–5 days of fever), viral infections (chikungunya, malaria, typhoid), ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura — immune system destroys platelets), liver disease (spleen enlargement traps platelets), medications (heparin, chemotherapy, some antibiotics), bone marrow disorders, vitamin B12/folate deficiency.
What does HIGH platelet count mean?
HIGH Platelets above 4,00,000 — Thrombocytosis
Reactive thrombocytosis (most common): platelets rise in response to infection, inflammation, iron deficiency anaemia, surgery or physical stress. The platelet count returns to normal once the trigger resolves — no treatment needed. Primary thrombocytosis (rare): a bone marrow disorder causes the marrow to produce excess platelets regardless of need (essential thrombocythaemia). Very high platelets (>10,00,000) can paradoxically cause bleeding rather than clotting in some conditions.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my low platelet count from dengue — should I monitor daily?
- Do I need a bone marrow test?
- Which of my medications could be causing this?
- At what platelet level do I need a transfusion?