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In hematology, thrombocythemia is a condition of high platelet (thrombocyte) count in the blood. Normal count is in the range of 150 × 10 9 to 450 × 10 9 platelets per liter of blood, [1] but investigation is typically only considered if the upper limit exceeds 750 × 10 9 /L.
The term thrombocyte (clot cell) came into use in the early 1900s and is sometimes used as a synonym for platelet; but not generally in the scientific literature, except as a root word for other terms related to platelets (e.g. thrombocytopenia meaning low platelets).
Plateletpheresis (more accurately called thrombocytapheresis or thrombapheresis, though these names are rarely used) is the process of collecting thrombocytes, more commonly called platelets, a component of blood involved in blood clotting.
In hematology, essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic blood cancer (myeloproliferative neoplasm) characterised by the overproduction of platelets (thrombocytes) by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. [3] It may, albeit rarely, develop into acute myeloid leukemia or myelofibrosis. [3]
Giant platelet disorder; Two giant platelets (stained purple) are visible in this image from a light microscope (40×) from a peripheral blood smear surrounded by red blood cells. One normal platelet can be seen in the upper left side of the image (purple) and is significantly smaller in size than the red blood cells (stained pink). Specialty ...
Platelets are regulators of hemostasis and thrombosis. Platelets become active in the blood following vascular injury. Vascular injury causes platelets to stick to the cellular matrix that is exposed under the endothelium, form a platelet plug, and then form a thrombus. Platelets are essential in the formation of an occlusive thrombus and are ...
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are very small, irregularly shaped clear cell fragments, 2–3 μm in diameter, which derive from fragmentation of megakaryocytes. The average lifespan of a platelet is normally just 5 to 9 days. Platelets are a natural source of growth factors.
One common definition of thrombocytopenia requiring emergency treatment is a platelet count below 50,000/μL. [5] Thrombocytopenia can be contrasted with the conditions associated with an abnormally high level of platelets in the blood – thrombocythemia (when the cause is unknown), and thrombocytosis (when the cause is known). [6] [7]