HealthInfo Canterbury

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

Mate toto-kōpiapia kore

Platelets are tiny cell fragments that work with clotting factor proteins to help your blood clot if you get cut.

Low platelets or thrombocytopenia can occur as a part of another disorder, such as leukaemia or an immune system problem. It can also be a side effect of taking some medications.

Thrombocytopenia is often mild and causes few signs or symptoms. You may notice:

• more bruising including small pinpoint bruises
• bleeding for longer after an injury.

You may not need any treatment if your platelets are only mildly low. They may improve with time.

You might need to treat the cause of your low platelets. For example, by stopping a medication.

If your low platelet count is severe, you may need a blood or platelet transfusion.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Mayo Clinic – Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

  Information about the symptoms, causes, tests and treatments of low platelets.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2023.

Sources

Page reference: 167828

Review key: HILPL-167828