Plateletcrit

Plateletcrit, often abbreviated as PCT, is a laboratory measurement that represents the percentage of the total blood volume that is occupied by platelets. It is a component of a standard complete blood count (CBC) test. Similar to hematocrit, which measures the percentage of red blood cells, plateletcrit provides an indication of platelet mass. A normal range for plateletcrit typically falls between 0.10% and 0.40% of the blood volume. Elevated PCT levels, known as thrombocytosis, can indicate conditions such as inflammation, infection, or certain types of leukemia. Conversely, a low PCT, or thrombocytopenia, may be associated with bleeding disorders, viral infections, or certain autoimmune diseases. PCT is a useful diagnostic tool that, when interpreted alongside other CBC parameters like platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV), helps clinicians assess a patient's overall hemostatic status and diagnose various hematological conditions. It is important to note that PCT is directly proportional to platelet count and mean platelet volume.