American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

A platelet count of 650,000 per cubic millimeter is classified as?

1. Thrombocytopenia

2. Normal

3. Thrombocytosis

4. Leukopenia

The correct answer is: Thrombocytosis

A platelet count of 650,000 per cubic millimeter is classified as thrombocytosis. This condition is characterized by an elevated platelet count, which is generally defined as exceeding 450,000 per cubic millimeter. Thrombocytosis can be either primary or secondary; primary thrombocytosis is often due to bone marrow disorders, while secondary thrombocytosis can result from various physiological conditions such as stress, inflammation, or infection. Understanding the thresholds for normal platelet counts and the implications of both elevated and decreased levels is critical in the field of histotechnology and lab medicine.