The question of what is mpv in a blood test and what does it mean worries many when conducting various examinations. The MPV value reflects the content of platelets. Their level is of great importance in various injuries or conditions accompanied by blood loss. A decrease or increase in the indicator indicates the development of a process that is not characteristic of a healthy body.
What are platelets
Platelets are part of the blood. They are components of the cytoplasm that lack a nucleus. The formation of these elements occurs in the bone marrow. Some of them are in the spleen, and some enter the bloodstream. Their life expectancy is on average 10 days.
Among the functions of platelets are:
- Prevention of large blood loss in case of damage to blood vessels. The implementation of this function occurs due to the ability of the elements to stick together with each other, as well as attach to the vascular wall.
- The ability to activate the production of collagen cells involved in regenerative processes in violation of the integrity of the blood vessel.
- Strengthening cell membranes, which makes it impossible for pathogens to enter.
An important indicator of the level of platelets in the blood is the average volume of these elements. To the question: what is mpv, the doctor points to the platelet index. It reflects the maturity of these blood elements. After taking the biological material, it is examined using hematological analyzers. The latter represent a curve characterizing the distribution of plates by volume. In the case when the histogram shifts to the right, one speaks of the predominance of immature forms. A large number of old cells is manifested in the fact that there is a shift to the left.
The study of the platelet index
The study of mpv in the examination of blood plays an important role in the study of the hematopoietic function of the body. After all, not only the functioning of the body, but also the life of a person depends on its qualitative implementation. A change in the platelet index allows you to identify the presence of various diseases, determine the cause and begin treatment. A study in the blood of mpv must be carried out for the adult population - 1 time per year, for children - 2 times.
A blood test for the study of the platelet index is carried out after taking material from a finger. The biological fluid is examined under a microscope. The specificity of the analysis is that the study of the material should be carried out in the first 2 hours after taking blood.
If the time requirement is not met, the indicators change, which results in an incorrect diagnosis.
An increased platelet count is reflected in an increase in blood viscosity and the risk of developing blood clots. In the presence of concomitant diseases, this process is dangerous not only for the development of complications, but also for death. A decrease in the number of platelets produced creates the risk of dangerous blood loss even with minor injuries or injuries. In any case, mpv and the norm of this indicator indicate the presence or absence of pathological processes, the treatment of which is necessary and important for human health.
Normal values
In order to find out whether the average platelet volume mpv corresponds to normal values, the obtained data are correlated with certain values. They are present in any laboratory. The average volume of platelets in the blood for an adult healthy population is 7-12 fl (femtoliters).
However, there are natural factors that can affect analysis performance. These include:
- age category;
- the presence of menstrual bleeding;
- the term of the interesting position;
- the use of certain drugs.
If the average platelet count is below normal in a pregnant woman, then in most cases this is normal. However, in parallel, it is necessary to monitor the course of pregnancy. In some cases, a significant decrease in performance may indicate a threat of miscarriage. The following values are normal for different categories of subjects:
When scores are up
When examining blood for platelet index, the questions are quite natural: what to do if the average volume of platelets is increased and what this means. An increase in MPV is possible in two ways: under certain physiological conditions and with the development of a pathological process. Physiological conditions include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding in women;
- specificity of hematopoietic function in children;
- the use of certain medications.
The occurrence of a pathological process is possible as a result of:
- getting injured;
- surgical intervention;
- the presence of bleeding of various nature.
Among the main reasons, when mpv indicators are increased, development is distinguished:
- thrombocytopenic idiopathic purpura;
- thrombocytopenia;
- diabetes;
- disorders of the thyroid gland;
- erythremia;
- splenectomy;
- blood cancer;
- May-Hegglin anomalies;
- cellular pathologies;
In addition, the causes of an increase in the platelet index are an increase in the spleen (due to various circumstances) and alcoholism. Their presence will necessarily indicate a violation of the normal functioning of the body.
What to do when increasing indicators
If the interpretation of the analysis showed that the average platelet volume is increased, a search for the main cause is necessary. In the case when it turned out to be physiological and associated with phenomena characteristic of a person, then no special measures are taken. In the presence of a pathological process, therapy is carried out in two directions:
- Use of blood thinners. This is necessary in order to normalize the natural density of the biological fluid and reduce the load on the heart muscle.
- The use of hormonal treatment. It is necessary in order to restore the normal process of platelet formation.
The entire treatment process is carried out in a hospital, under the supervision of specialists. You should not self-prescribe medications. Indeed, with their incorrect dosage, the development of side effects and complications is possible.
When indicators go down
The platelet index can not only increase, but also decrease. The main reasons for this include the development of:
- splenomegaly;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- anemia of various etiologies;
- some hereditary diseases;
- oncological processes: sarcomas, leukemia;
- inflammatory processes;
- autoimmune diseases;
- myocardial infarction;
- kidney pathologies;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- hypoproteinemia.
In addition, the average platelet volume is lowered with the use of certain drugs and during childbearing. The answer to the question: why the average volume of platelets is lowered and what does this mean, can only be given by a specialist on the basis of a general study, including not only a blood test, but also examination, collection of complaints, and in some cases additional diagnostic procedures.
Preventive actions
In order for the average platelet volume and mpv values to always correspond to normal values, it is necessary to comply with preventive measures. These include the following actions:
- Carry out a study of the platelet index in the presence of chronic diseases at least once a trimester.
- Carefully select drugs in the treatment of diseases caused by viruses. After all, some of the drugs negatively affect the production of platelets and mpv.
- Monitor your diet. It is better to replace animal fats with vegetable ones. And instead of fatty meat, it is better to use rabbit, turkey, and fish in the cooking process.
- Follow the drinking regime, that is, drink enough water.
In addition to the basic preventive measures, you should consult a doctor if:
- there is a sharp decrease in weight;
- there is constant fatigue;
- there is constant bleeding from the nose;
- often worried about tachycardia and hypertension;
- there is a sharp deterioration in health;
- changed the color of the skin and mucous membranes;
- hematomas appear for no particular reason.
Any level of platelets: high, low or normal reflects the level of health of a person. The study of the platelet index allows you to detect pathological processes in time and begin timely treatment of the condition that has arisen. Indeed, in some cases, the development of the disease in the early stages does not have bright external signs. The study of the number of platelets will save precious time and not miss health.
In contact with
There are many cells in human blood, which are called shaped, they have important things to do throughout the body. For successful activity in the bloodstream, a certain number of them “live”. And when it changes mpv blood test will reflect a problem with blood clotting.
Blood clotting is an important property
Without blood clotting, a person simply would not survive, and platelets provide this feature of the blood. It is worth getting hurt, and the ambulance rushes to stop the bleeding: platelets sticking together close the vessel wall. A clot called a thrombus forms and the bleeding stops.
MPV - mean platelet volume. Without a laboratory study, it can be understood that mpv is lowered by bruising, bleeding gums, and frequent nosebleeds that often occur for no apparent reason. The same fact will tell the specialist considering mpv blood test about diseases of the organs. Deficiency in important blood elements (thrombocytopenia) leads to bacterial and viral diseases, problems associated with the bone marrow. The opposite complication - their increased content - is called thrombocytosis, and will also cause a number of serious disorders.
Platelet production is an ongoing process
- 180 - 320 * 109 / l (adults);
- 100 - 420 * 109 / l (newborns).
Depending on the research methods, these figures may vary somewhat, at the same time, in healthy men and women, they are at the same level. When a baby is born, the rate is much higher, and it becomes the same as in adults after a week.
Expectant mothers have slightly fewer platelets - 150 - 380 * 109 / l, because their blood volume increases, and the body does not keep up with producing them in larger quantities. A decrease for no apparent reason (pregnancy, menstruation) to 150 * 109 / l or less is alarming for doctors, and additional examinations should be done to understand the cause.
The lifetime of platelets is 7-10 days, and the bone marrow produces them continuously. The obsolete cells are processed into scrap by the liver and spleen. Pathological processes begin when the balance in production is disturbed for some reason. For example, if defective platelets continue to function, but there are few of them in the blood, it means that the cells are destroyed too quickly in the spleen, there are problems with this organ.
Mpv: what the indicators say
There are 4 types of platelets in the bloodstream: mature, young, old, degenerative and forms of irritation. And changing mpv doesn't tell much without determining which form is predominant. Even when the volume is normal, an increase in some form may indicate a disease.
Doing mpv blood test , their concentration is determined in different ways. The old method is counting in a counting chamber. There is also the option of analyzing a smear on glass.
Currently, there are modern analyzers that determine the total number of platelets, the average proportion of each of them and the spread in different forms, as well as how much space they occupy in whole blood. In the total volume, mature platelets should occupy up to 90%. The rest should not be more: young - 0.8%, old - 5.6%, forms of irritation - 2.3%, degenerative - 0.2%.
mpv blood test determines the likelihood of formation of blood clots in deep veins (thrombosis) or a tendency to bleed (hemorrhagic syndrome). Their volume is quite constant, it can change in pathological conditions.
Thrombocytosis (level >300x109 cells/L) is caused by: inflammatory processes (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis), cancer, severe blood loss, infections, anemia and other pathologies.
Thrombocytopenia (level If the norm of young platelets is exceeded, this may be due to an operation, severe blood loss in the body. An excess of old platelets signals malignant neoplasms. Forms of irritation are more than normal - there may be a blood disease. Exceeding the proportion of degenerative forms often occurs with hematopoietic disorders.
Human blood includes many different cells (shaped elements), and they all perform certain functions. In the article, we will talk about what MPV means in a blood test and what are its normal indicators.
Platelets in the blood
Platelets are the smallest. They do not have a nucleus, but perform many vital functions. Their main tasks are to give blood a certain viscosity and restore the integrity of the vascular wall when it is damaged. In this case, the formation of certain substances (fibrinogens) occurs, under the influence of which platelets pass into an active form. In this state, they acquire the ability to flatten and stick together with each other and with the wall of the damaged vessel, forming a thrombus (a kind of plug that closes the damaged area and helps stop bleeding).
The formation of platelets occurs in the bone marrow, and due to the fact that their life is no more than 10 days, for the normal functioning of the body, it is necessary to constantly produce new cells. If the balance between the destruction of platelets and the formation of new ones is disturbed, a person either has a tendency to bleed (the number of platelets decreases), or to excessive thrombosis (at high rates). A blood test determines the amount of these formed elements in a liter or microliter. The number of platelets normally varies from 180x10 9 to 320x10 9 / l in adults.
The indicators determined today are somewhat different from those that were a few years ago. So, many abbreviations appeared that are incomprehensible to uninitiated people. One such mysterious value is MPV in a blood test. In fact, everything is not so difficult. Under this abbreviation lies an indicator that determines the average volume of platelets.
Due to the relatively short lifespan of platelets and their constant synthesis in human blood, uniform elements are always present at different stages of their life cycle. At the same time, young and mature cells, as well as platelets, whose life cycle is already nearing completion, not only differ in size and saturation with biologically active substances, but also carry a different functional load. MPV in a blood test allows you to determine how many platelets of different sizes are in the blood at a given moment.
Normal MPV
To determine the average platelet volume, sampling is carried out. After that, 5 ml is examined by a cytometric fluorescent method. The result is a histogram - a curve showing MPV in a blood test. The norm of this indicator varies in the range from 7.5 to 11 fL. The histogram allows you to evaluate the number of platelets of different sizes. Normally, the content of mature cells should occupy 90% of the total platelet mass, young - no more than 0.8%, degenerative - 0.2%, old - 5.6%. At the same time, the predominance of immature elements shifts the histogram to the left, while the predominant content of old cells shifts to the right. It should be borne in mind that certain changes in MPV can also be detected with a normal amount of absolute platelet count.
Blood test: MPV lowered
Such a picture can be observed if in a blood test against the background of a normal absolute number of platelets, the average volume is below normal. This is manifested by a significant predominance of old cells on the histogram. In this case, a low MPV in a blood test will signal such a dangerous condition as thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100x10 9 / l), in which extensive bleeding is possible due to a decrease in blood clotting.
The causes of this condition can be hereditary factors, diseases of the blood and other organs, the use of certain medications. In the mechanism of development of thrombocytopenia, there are three main points:
- a decrease or cessation of the synthesis of young cells - this can occur with various pathologies of the liver, thyroid gland, anemia, intoxication caused by alcohol and other toxic substances, as well as when taking certain drugs;
- if platelets are destroyed faster than they are synthesized, this may be the result of some immune pathologies (thrombocytopenic purpura), DIC, blood transfusions;
- violation of the distribution of platelet mass - in the normal state, almost half of the platelets are in a kind of depot, the role of which is played by the spleen, in some diseases (tuberculosis, hepatitis), the number of deposited platelets can reach 90%.
Symptoms specific to low MPV
The symptomatology that accompanies situations when MPV in a blood test is lowered is due to two factors: a violation of blood coagulation mechanisms and increased permeability of the vascular walls. Outwardly, this is manifested by the following signs:
- multiple subcutaneous hemorrhages, most often located on the anterior surface of the limbs, abdomen, chest;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- women have long and heavy menstruation;
- retinal hemorrhages.
MPV level increased
However, there are situations when, when determining MPV, it shows an excess of the normal level of platelets. In some cases, their number can significantly exceed 400x10 9 /l. This condition is called thrombocytosis and can lead to quite serious pathologies associated with increased thrombosis. There are relative thrombocytosis (readings exceed the upper limit of the norm by 100-200 thousand units) and critical, when a general blood test shows an excess of normal values by half. MPV can be so elevated for various reasons that it is necessary to conduct a deeper examination, find out the cause of thrombocytosis and try to eliminate it.
Reasons for increasing MPV
Modern medicine allows you to determine not only an increase in the total number of platelets in the blood, but also to find out which types of them predominate. Often this is important for diagnosing diseases. So, for example, the number of young people after surgery either signals internal bleeding or prolonged blood loss. High levels of old platelets indicate an oncological process. Degenerative forms increase with violations of the hematopoietic process. Thrombocytosis most often accompanies the following conditions:
- exacerbation of chronic processes in the gastrointestinal tract, skeletal system;
- blood diseases;
- surgical interventions;
- oncology;
- as a side effect of certain drugs.
MPV in children
In general, mean platelet counts in children differ from those in adults only under the age of one year. After that, the content of these blood elements has similar characteristics, regardless of gender. As for newborn children, the range from 100 to 400x10 9 / l is considered acceptable for them. When determining MPV in up to a year, it is 150-350x10 9 / l.
MPV during pregnancy
Pregnancy requires a woman's body to restructure all functions, and these changes primarily affect the circulatory system. The need to form an additional (placental) circulation requires an increase in the total volume of circulating blood. On average, the range of 150-380x10 9 / l is considered normal for platelet counts in a pregnant woman. However, deviations from the norm in this state can lead to serious consequences. That is why throughout the entire period of pregnancy, a woman should regularly undergo laboratory tests.
If pregnancy is accompanied by severe toxicosis, then vomiting and other intestinal disorders can lead to dehydration, which, in turn, will affect the level of platelets - it will rise sharply. During pregnancy, the indicators should not exceed 400x10 9 / l, otherwise pathological processes may begin, leading to platelet adhesion and the formation of blood clots in the vascular bed. In the early stages, such pathologies can lead to the loss of the fetus, and in the later stages they are fraught with the occurrence of blood clots in the vessels of the legs, accompanied by the development of varicose veins. In order to avoid this, you can use orthopedic golf.
No less dangerous is the decrease in the level of platelets below 140x10 9 /l. In the early stages, this can provoke bleeding and even the risk of fetal loss. Manifestations of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can be the appearance of hematomas on the body even after small touches, bleeding gums, nosebleeds. In the later stages, thrombocytopenia can cause large blood loss during childbirth and the occurrence of bleeding in the child.
Thus, the average level of platelets is an important indicator of the state of the human body. It allows you to determine the possibility of a particular pathology at an early stage and take measures to prevent it.
Studying the decoding of MPV in blood tests in adults and children is extremely important for the doctor.
Based on it, the doctor will conclude whether the platelet count is increased or decreased. Determination of the rate of blood clotting will help to identify the presence of pathologies in the patient's body, prescribe effective treatment in time.
For a person who does not have a medical education, it is difficult to understand what MPV is. This abbreviation refers to the average number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets are part of the cytoplasm that does not have a nucleus. Their shape resembles a disk. The main center of thrombopoiesis in adults and children is in the bone marrow.
Approximately one third of all platelets are located in the spleen, the main share is located in the bloodstream.
These particles are responsible for the restoration of tissues that can be injured as a result of cuts, inflammation, and other causes.
The full work of platelets depends on their volume in the blood of adults and children. Particles that are in a state of maturity are smaller, so their volume in the blood is reduced.
It is these platelets that perform their functions most efficiently. If the cellular structure is immature, then its size is somewhat increased, it occupies more space than a mature one. Functions are performed by such particles not in full force.
It is important for the patient to take an analysis to determine whether the platelet count is increased or decreased. These particles in the blood play an important role.
They are responsible for blood clotting - they form a blood clot.
If the level of these particles is lowered, then clotting occurs very slowly, which threatens a person's life - he will die as a result of blood loss. It is important for a person to take care of their health by periodically taking an analysis for MPV.
The rate of platelets in the blood in adults and children is 180 - 320 × 10 9 / l. The histogram shows how platelets are distributed throughout the blood volume.
Histograms have another name - platelet curves. Their compilation and analysis are important for the patient. Deciphering will help the doctor to be able to make the correct diagnosis.
The examination will make it possible to identify the presence of pathologies in the body that have arisen by hematological means.
A general blood test must necessarily include a study of the number of platelets.
A blood test for MPV will help not only detect the development of diseases, but also prescribe medications that will bring the body back to normal.
Deciphering the blood examination will show how effectively the patient is being treated, and will help to control the condition of the patient's body.
Deciphering the analysis
A complete blood count involves studying the level of MPV. Decoding makes it possible to study the number of platelets in the blood in adults and children.
Platelets have a relatively short lifespan. As a result of their constant synthesis, these elements are found in the human body in the form of mature and immature particles.
Those cells that are in the middle of their life cycle are different from those that are at the end or at the beginning of the cycle.
Each type of platelet differs in the content of nutrients, size, functionality. As a result of the MPV examination, it is possible to determine how many and which platelets are in the blood of adults or children.
To obtain information about platelets, it is necessary to take a biomaterial from a vein. 5 ml is sufficient for analysis.
The survey data is used to form a histogram - a curve that displays the amount of MPV. Normally, the content of platelets is 180 - 320 × 10 9 /l.
The histogram shows how many particles are mature, immature, and at the last stage of their life cycle. The norm of mature cells should be 90 percent, newly formed - no more than 0.8 percent, old - 5.6 - 5.8 percent.
The low level of platelets is indicated on the histogram - the level of the number of mature particles is reduced and the level of the number of old cells is increased.
In this case, adults or children may develop thrombocytopenia. This means that the patient's blood clotting is sharply reduced. There may be extensive bleeding.
There can be several reasons for the decrease in the indicator:
- heredity;
- diseases of the blood, internal organs;
- taking certain medications.
The development of thrombocytopenia takes place in various ways:
- the synthesis of new cells slows down or stops completely as a result of pathological processes taking place in the liver, thyroid gland. A similar phenomenon can be observed in patients with anemia, people suffering from alcohol intoxication, the use of certain medications;
- platelets are destroyed faster than new elements are formed - the patient has experienced a blood transfusion or has DIC, thrombocytopenic purpura;
- platelet mass is distributed with disorders - the patient has hepatitis, tuberculosis.
If the level of MPV in a patient is low, then some symptoms are observed caused by increased permeability of the walls of blood vessels and a violation of blood clotting in the body.
The patient may experience bleeding under the skin. Most often, such places are located on the abdomen, chest.
A patient with low MPV often bleeds from the nose, menstruation in women is profuse for a long time.
A complete blood count may show an elevated MPV level. This condition has its own name - thrombocytosis.
It can cause serious disorders and pathologies in the body, which are associated with increased formation of blood clots.
Thrombocytosis can be relative - the platelet rate is exceeded by 100 - 200 thousand units or critical - the platelet rate is almost double the normal values.
It is important to timely identify the growth of this indicator and establish the causes of the phenomenon in order to eliminate them and bring MPV back to normal.
As a result of the examination, it is possible to detect an increased volume of not only the total number of platelets, but also to find out which types of particles have increased the most.
If the rate of newly synthesized platelets in the patient's blood is higher than the prescribed values, then he may have internal bleeding or he has suffered a large blood loss.
An increased volume of old platelets - the patient has a suspicion of the development of an oncological process. An increase in degenerative platelets indicates impaired hematopoietic function.
The causes of thrombocytosis in a patient may be as follows:
- chronic processes are exacerbated in the gastrointestinal tract;
- blood diseases;
- development of oncology;
- operations;
- side effects when taking certain medications.
MPV in children, women
The rate of platelets in the blood of a child under one year old differs from the level of these elements in children older than a year old. In newborns, the permissible value of MPV 100 is 400x10 9 / l.
If the child is full-term, then in the first few days the norm is 125, for premature babies, the decoding of the analysis should contain a normal indicator of 100.
After a year, the MPV rate increases and is compared with the indicators typical for adults. The norm of MPV in infants does not depend on gender.
In women, during pregnancy, the functions of the body are rebuilt. The circulatory system also undergoes some changes.
An additional circle is formed along which blood moves, carries nutrients to the fetus. The norm of platelets in the expectant mother is 150 - 380x10 9 / l.
If there are deviations, then this condition can cause dangerous consequences in women. To prevent this, the doctor will periodically prescribe an analysis for MPV.
If women have toxicosis, then its manifestations will cause dehydration, as a result, the level of platelets will jump.
An increased rate should not be allowed, since the pathology will lead to gluing of platelets, and blood clots will form in the vessels.
If such phenomena occur in a woman at an early date, then the risk of miscarriage increases. In late pregnancy, elevated platelet levels will cause blood clots, which in turn will lead to varicose veins.
If the level of the indicator is increased, then the woman is recommended to wear special orthopedic stockings.
Not only an increase in MPV is dangerous to health during pregnancy, but also a decrease in this indicator. Thrombocytopenia can cause hematomas, nosebleeds, gums will bleed.
At an early stage, the disease can cause premature termination of pregnancy. In the later period, the risk of large blood loss during childbirth, the occurrence of bleeding, increases.
A general analysis to determine the number of platelets in the blood makes it possible to assess the state of the body.
It is important to do an examination in time to identify whether the level of MPV is increased or decreased, to diagnose pathological processes.
Many people are interested in what MPV means in a blood test. Its value shows the content of platelets, the level of which plays an important role in various conditions or injuries that are accompanied by blood loss. If the indicators decrease or increase, then this indicates a process that is not characteristic of a healthy person's body.
A person will not survive without blood clotting, and this feature is provided by platelets. One has only to get hurt, and the body's own "ambulance" rushes to eliminate bleeding: platelets, gluing together, close the vascular wall. A clot called a thrombus forms and the bleeding stops.
Basic concepts
The abbreviation MPV in the blood test indicates the average content of platelets. The fact that this indicator is lowered can be guessed even without a laboratory test, if a person often and unreasonably bruises, nosebleeds and bleeding gums are observed. These facts will also tell the specialist who reviews the blood test about diseases of the organs.
With a lack of important elements in the blood (thrombocytopenia), viral and bacterial diseases are provoked, as well as certain problems with the bone marrow. If there is a complication of the opposite nature, that is, thrombocytosis, this will also cause a number of significant disorders.
A little about platelets
Platelets are among the elements of the blood and are essentially components of the cytoplasm in which there is no nucleus. These components are formed in the bone marrow. One part of them is located in the spleen, and the other goes into the bloodstream. On average, their vital activity is ten days.
Platelets perform the following functions:
- in case of vascular damage, they prevent a large loss of blood; this function is realized due to the ability of the elements to mutually stick together and attach to the wall of the vessels;
- are able to activate the production of collagen cells, which are involved in the regeneration processes with defects in the integrity of the vessel;
- strengthening cell membranes, so that pathogenic microorganisms cannot penetrate inside.
An important indicator of the degree of platelets is their average volume. If you ask a doctor what MPV is in a blood test, he will point to the platelet index. It is an indicator of the maturity of these blood elements.
When the biological material is taken, it is examined using hematological analyzers. They represent a curve that characterizes the distribution of plates by volume. When the histogram shifts to the right, one can judge the predominant number of immature forms. When shifted to the left, a large volume of old cells is noted.
Platelet index study
The study of MPV in a blood test is of great importance for the study of the hematopoietic function of the human body. Not only its functioning, but the whole life of the patient depends on its qualitative implementation. If the platelet index changes, then it becomes possible to identify various pathologies. It is necessary to establish the cause and start a course of treatment in a timely manner.
An analysis of the MPV indicator in the blood is required to be carried out once a year in adults, twice in children.
Blood is collected for testing from a finger. The liquid must then be examined under a microscope. The peculiarity of this analysis is that the material should be studied in the first two hours after blood sampling. If the time requirements are not met, then the indicators change, and as a result, an incorrect diagnosis is made.
Deviations from the norm
If MPV is elevated in a blood test, this means an increase in blood viscosity and an increase in the risk of blood clots. If the patient has concomitant diseases, this process is dangerous not only for the development of any complications, but also for death.
A decrease in MPV in a blood test raises the risk of serious blood loss even with minor injuries or damage. MPV in any case acts as evidence of the presence or absence of pathologies, the therapy of which is necessary for a person.
Normal performance
To determine whether the average MPV platelet count is normal, the data obtained must be correlated with specific values. They are present in any laboratory. When deciphering a blood test for MPV, a platelet volume of 7 to 12 femtoliters is considered the norm for a healthy adult.
At the same time, there are also natural factors that can influence the indicators of the study. These include:
- age category of the patient;
- the presence of a woman's menstrual bleeding;
- the use of certain drugs;
- gestational age.
The question arises as to what is considered the norm in women? Deciphering MPV blood tests, for example, in a pregnant woman may show an average platelet volume less than normal values, but most often one cannot talk about any pathologies. However, at the same time, careful monitoring of the course of pregnancy is required. In some cases, a serious decrease in performance may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
- children's age from birth to twelve months - from 7 to 7.9 femtoliters;
- from twelve months to five years - from 8 to 8.8 femtoliters;
- patients from five to sixty-five years old - from 7.5 to 11 femtoliters;
- after sixty-five years - from 10 to 12 femtoliters.
Increased rates
With an increase in the average platelet volume in a blood test, the patient asks a logical question about what MPV means in a blood test and how to deal with it. An increase in MPV can be observed in two cases: under certain physiological conditions and when a pathological process occurs.
The first ones include:
- too much menstrual bleeding;
- features of children's hematopoietic function;
- the use of a number of drugs.
The pathological process may occur in the following cases:
- surgical intervention;
- injury;
- the patient has bleeding of a different origin.
Reasons for the increase
The main reasons for the increase in MPV in a blood test is the development of such pathologies:
- thrombocytopenia;
- erythremia;
- idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura;
- diabetes;
- spleectomy;
- May-Hegglin anomalies;
- blood cancer;
- cell pathologies.
Also, with an increase in the platelet index, the size of the spleen increases due to the influence of various factors. Another contributing factor is alcoholism.
Actions for improving performance
If an increase in the average platelet volume is observed in the interpretation of the MPV blood test, then a search for the underlying cause is required. With its physiological origin and connection with those phenomena that are characteristic of humans, special measures are not required.
If there is a pathological process, then therapy is required in two main areas:
- The use of drugs that thin the blood. They are necessary to normalize its natural density and reduce stress on the heart muscle.
- hormone therapy. Required to restore the normal process of platelet formation. The treatment process is carried out under the strict supervision of specialists. You should not choose medicines on your own, because if they are dosed incorrectly, complications and side effects can develop.
Reduced rates
The platelet index can not only increase, but also decrease. The main reasons for the downgrade are:
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- a number of hereditary diseases;
- splenomegaly;
- anemia of various origins;
- oncological diseases: leukemia, sarcoma;
- inflammatory processes;
- renal pathologies;
- hypoproteinemia;
- autoimmune diseases;
- defects in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- myocardial infarction.
Also, the average platelet volume decreases with the use of a number of medications and during pregnancy. Only specialists are able to establish the reasons for the decrease in the average volume, based on a general study, which includes not only a blood test for MPV, but also the establishment of complaints, examination, and in some cases, the implementation of diagnostic procedures of an additional nature.
Preventive actions
To bring MPV and mean platelet volume to normal values, certain preventive measures must be followed.
Namely:
- in the presence of diseases of a chronic nature, it is necessary to conduct a study of the platelet index at least once a trimester;
- scrupulously select medicines in the treatment of pathologies of viral origin; some drugs can adversely affect MPV and platelet formation;
- control the diet, replace animal fats with vegetable ones, cook fish, turkey or rabbit meat instead of fatty meat;
- observe the correct drinking regimen, that is, drink water in sufficient quantities.
Signals to see a doctor
In addition to the main preventive manipulations, you need to see a doctor if the patient has:
- weight drops sharply;
- a person feels permanent fatigue;
- frequent bleeding from the nose;
- suddenly deteriorating health;
- hypertension and tachycardia are diagnosed;
- changes in the color of mucous membranes and skin;
- hematomas appear for no particular reason.
Any level of platelets indicates the state of human health. Thanks to the study of the platelet index, it is possible to identify pathological factors in a timely manner and begin to treat them. In some cases, the early stages of the disease do not manifest themselves in any way, so the analysis of the platelet volume will allow not to start the pathology.
Every person should be very careful about their health. Regularly undergo examinations, if any abnormalities are detected, it is necessary to visit a doctor who will prescribe treatment without fail. This will not take too long, but will avoid serious consequences. Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat later.
We reviewed the MPV in the blood test and the rate. What it is is now known.
