Thrombocytosis

Diagnosis

A blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) can determine if your platelet count is elevated. Additional blood tests may be done to check for:

• High or low iron levels
• Markers of inflammation
• Undiagnosed cancer
• Gene mutations

In some cases, a procedure using a needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow may be needed for testing.

Treatment

Treatment for thrombocytosis depends on the underlying cause.

Reactive thrombocytosis:

• Blood loss: Elevated platelet counts due to surgery or injury may resolve on their own.
• Infection or inflammation: Platelet counts typically remain high until the underlying condition is controlled. Counts usually return to normal once the cause is resolved.
• Spleen removed: Lifelong thrombocytosis may occur after spleen removal, but treatment is often unnecessary.

Essential thrombocythemia:

People without symptoms may not require treatment. Daily, low-dose aspirin may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots, but only under medical guidance.

Prescription medicine or procedures to lower platelet counts may be needed if you:

• Have a history of blood clots or bleeding
• Have risk factors for heart disease
• Are older than 60
• Have a very high platelet count

Medications that may be prescribed include hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea), anagrelide (Agrylin), or interferon alfa (Intron A).

In emergency situations, platelets can be temporarily removed from the blood using a procedure called plateletpheresis.