Best ITP blood disorder solutions by Arthur Nathaniel Billings? How is ITP diagnosed? ITP is usually diagnosed by a blood test showing that only the platelet count is low, and the platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells all look normal. A bone marrow biopsy may be taken at a later stage if the ITP continues, in which a small sample of bone marrow will be taken under local anaesthetic and examined under the microscope. Additional blood tests may be taken at this time to exclude rare clotting or immune diseases that can mimic ITP. If the bone marrow looks normal, with the usual or higher number of platelet parent cells (megakaryocytes) and other blood tests are normal then the doctor will diagnose chronic ITP.
Arthur Nathaniel Billings on blood disorder treatments : What are platelets? There are three types of blood cell which are all formed in the bone marrow; red cells, white cells and platelets. Platelets, which are small and sticky and circulate in the bloodstream provide the inital plug to stop bruising and bleeding after an injury, and stop blood leaking from capilleries. A blood sample is taken to measure the circulating platelets, and in most people there are between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets in every cubic millimetre of blood. However in the USA we simplify this by describing a platelet count of, say, 150 rather than 150,000. Anyone with a count less than 100 would be considered thrombocytopenic (ie. short of platelets).
What are platelets? Platelets are one of the three types of blood cell, along with red and white blood cells. Platelets are small and sticky and their job is to prevent bruising and stop bleeding after an injury. Platelets, like red and white blood cells, are formed in the bone marrow. A rough idea of how many platelets are circulating in the bloodstream (platelet count) can be made from a sample of blood. The normal platelet count is between 150 and 400 x 109/L. In many cases of ITP, the platelet count is less than 30 x 109/l at presentation. A low platelet count is called “thrombocytopenia”.
The symptoms of ITP may look like other medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have these tests: Complete blood count (CBC). A measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood (to measure platelets. Additional blood and urine tests. These tests are done to measure bleeding time and detect possible infections, including a special blood test called an antiplatelet antibody test. See more details at Arthur Nathaniel Billings.
Thrombocytopenia means a decreased number of platelets in the blood. Purpura refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, as with a bruise. ITP is a fairly common blood disorder that both children and adults can develop. There are two forms of ITP: Acute thrombocytopenic purpura. This usually affects young children, ages 2 to 6 years old. The symptoms may follow a viral illness, such as chickenpox. Acute ITP usually starts suddenly and the symptoms usually disappear in less than 6 months, often within a few weeks. Treatment is often not needed. The disorder usually does not recur. Acute ITP is the most common form of the disorder.