In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
P-LCR in blood count is a parameter that is measured when the results of other indicators are outside the norm. The most common indication for a P-LCR test is an abnormal number of platelets in the collected sample. What are the standards in the P-LCR test, and what might increased and decreased results indicate?
P-LCR is an abbreviation that comes from the English phrase ‘platelet large cell ratio’, which means the percentage of large as well as giant platelets in the blood in the test sample. In short, this parameter indicates that there are platelets in the patient’s bloodstream that are much larger than those within the norm.
By performing the P-LCR test, the patient’s platelet system is assessed. P-LCR testing is never done alone. Correct interpretation of the result requires testing the number of platelets in the sample, i.e. PLT, as well as testing the mean volume of platelets (MPV) and the differentiation of platelets in terms of their volume (PDW). Platelets are also called thrombocytes and are a very important morphotic element of the human body. Platelets are distinguished by a small, hyphae structure and the absence of a nucleus. The function of thrombocytes is to participate in the regulation of blood coagulation.
If you have noticed symptoms of blood clotting disorders, it is worthwhile to have an examination for anemia. The main indications for its conduct include, inter alia, weakness or a feeling of heart palpitations.
P-LCR – indications for the examination
The P-LCR test, i.e. determining the percentage of large or huge platelets, is one of the additional tests performed to more accurately visualize the patient’s platelet system. It is not a routine test performed with every platelet count. A doctor will usually order a P-LCR test if he suspects pathology related to circulating platelets in the blood. P-LCR morphology is performed on an empty stomach.
Consult your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a referral for a P-LCR test. Remember that you can receive e-Referral without leaving your home, even in 10 minutes. Use the e-visit option and take care of yourself.
P-LCR test – standards
The standard of P-LCR testing depends on the laboratory where the test is performed. However, in standard terms, the norm for P-LCR is less than 30% of large platelets. Large platelets are thrombocytes with a volume exceeding 12fL. When interpreting the P-LCR test result, other indicators that illustrate the plaque pattern, i.e. the number of platelets and the mean volume of platelets, should be taken into account.
Elevated P-LCR may be a natural human trait. In this case, the blood test also shows a high average platelet volume and a large spread. Elevated P-LCR may also be a signal of a disease state.
The most common cause of elevated P-LCR is autoimmune purpura, called immune thrombocytopenia. In this disease, the body itself destroys the thrombocytes, creating many large and giant platelets. In such a situation, the action of thrombocytes is disturbed, and the disease itself leads to many negative consequences. Abnormal blood platelet counts can also indicate cancer, anemia, inflammation, and chronic alcohol abuse problems.
Reduced P-LCR is extremely rare and is usually a characteristic of an individual. Typically, a decreased P-LCR should not be of concern to the patient. If the remaining test results are normal, then the reduced P-LCR does not indicate any disease state.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.