1. What do I need to be aware of concerning my platelets if I am having surgery?
Platelets survive about 8-10 days. If you ingest any aspirin products within this period before surgery, platelet function may be diminished, resulting in excessive bleeding. Consequently, surgery may be canceled.
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2. Are there signs or symptoms of high or low platelet levels that I should pay attention to?
Bruising for no apparent reason, bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum also without obvious injury, excessive or prolonged menstrual periods, or the inability to stop a small wound from bleeding within a reasonable period of time may indicate a platelet deficiency.
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3. How stable are platelet counts?
Platelet counts can vary throughout the course of the day; however, counts are highest at midday. Under certain conditions, platelets may clump and falsely appear to be low in number.
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