Which hematologic condition is defined by an elevated platelet count?

Which hematologic condition is defined by an elevated platelet count?

• A. Polycythemia
• B. Thrombocytosis
• C. Reticulocytosis
• D. Coaguability

Answer: (B)

Thrombocytosis is the term used for an elevated platelet count. Platelets normally range about 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood; counts above this define thrombocytosis. It can occur as a primary condition, such as in essential thrombocythemia, or secondarily as a reactive process to inflammation, iron deficiency, infection, or recovery from hemorrhage. The other options refer to different blood components or properties: polycythemia means too many red blood cells, reticulocytosis means increased immature red blood cells, and coagulability describes the blood’s tendency to clot rather than a numeric count.

Thrombocytosis is the term used for an elevated platelet count. Platelets normally range about 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood; counts above this define thrombocytosis. It can occur as a primary condition, such as in essential thrombocythemia, or secondarily as a reactive process to inflammation, iron deficiency, infection, or recovery from hemorrhage. The other options refer to different blood components or properties: polycythemia means too many red blood cells, reticulocytosis means increased immature red blood cells, and coagulability describes the blood’s tendency to clot rather than a numeric count.