Thrombocytosis

Diagnosis

If your platelet count is excessively high, a blood test known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) can reveal this. Blood testing might also be necessary to look for:

• Undiagnosed cancer
• Indicators of inflammation
• Abnormal iron levels, whether high or low
• Gene mutations

Additionally, you might require a needle procedure to take a tiny sample of your bone marrow for analysis.

Treatment

Reactive thrombocytosis

The cause of this condition determines the course of treatment.

• Blood loss. Your increased platelet count may go down on its own if you’ve recently undergone surgery or an injury that caused significant blood loss.
• Infection or inflammation. Your platelet count will probably stay high if you have an inflammatory disease or a chronic infection until the condition is under control. Once the problem is identified and addressed, your platelet count should normally return to normal.
• Spleen removed. You may develop thrombocytosis for the rest of your life if you had your spleen removed, but treatment is not likely to be necessary.

Essential thrombocythemia

Individuals with this condition who are asymptomatic typically do not require treatment. If you are at risk of blood clots, you might need to take a daily, low-dose aspirin to help thin your blood. However, do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor first.

You might need prescription medication or procedures to lower your platelet counts if you:

• Are above 60 years old.
• Have a history of bleeding and blood clots.
• Have heart disease risk factors.
• Possess a very high number of platelets.

Platelet-lowering medications such as hydroxyurea, anagrelide, or interferon alfa may be prescribed by your doctor.

In emergencies, a machine can filter platelets from your blood, a procedure known as plateletpheresis. However, the effects are temporary.