Platelet count measures blood's ability to form blood clots. Platelets are tiny cell fragments essential for blood clotting. Normal platelet range is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter
Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation and maturation. Blood cells are produced continuously from womb to old age. Millions of blood cells are replaced daily
Platelets are cellular fragments without nucleus, containing mitochondria. Normal platelet count is 150-400 x 109/L. Up to 30% of platelets are sequestered in spleen. Develop from megakaryocytes stimulated by thrombopoietin
Blood consists of plasma and blood cells. Normal hematocrit is between 39-50%. Plasma contains 7-8% proteins and 1-2% other solutes
Buffy coat is a thin layer of WBCs, monocytes, granulocytes, and platelets. Less than 1% of blood cells are WBCs and platelets. WBCs are 10-20X more concentrated in buffy coat than total sample
Platelets are small blood cells (1-3 µm) with concentration 1.4-4 x 108/ml. Formed in bone marrow from megakaryocytes, producing thousands per megakaryocyte. Circulate for 9 days before being removed by spleen. Lack nucleus but contain RNA in immature 'reticulated' state