Which test assesses the number of platelets in a blood sample?

Which test assesses the number of platelets in a blood sample?

• A. Hematocrit
• B. White blood cell differential
• C. Platelet count
• D. Mean corpuscular volume

Answer: (C)

Counting platelets measures how many platelets are present in a microliter of blood, which is essential for understanding a patient’s ability to form clots. Platelets are the small fragments that initiate the first steps of clotting, so their numerical value is what defines a platelet count and is routinely part of a complete blood count. The other tests assess different blood components: hematocrit indicates the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells, the white blood cell differential analyzes the types and amounts of leukocytes, and mean corpuscular volume reflects the average size of red blood cells. Therefore, the test that directly assesses the number of platelets is the platelet count.

Counting platelets measures how many platelets are present in a microliter of blood, which is essential for understanding a patient’s ability to form clots. Platelets are the small fragments that initiate the first steps of clotting, so their numerical value is what defines a platelet count and is routinely part of a complete blood count. The other tests assess different blood components: hematocrit indicates the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells, the white blood cell differential analyzes the types and amounts of leukocytes, and mean corpuscular volume reflects the average size of red blood cells. Therefore, the test that directly assesses the number of platelets is the platelet count.