Tests for thrombocytopenia
If you have cirrhosis, you will probably have regular blood tests. As part of this your platelet count will be checked.
If you need any kind of procedure or surgery, you should be tested for thrombocytopenia.
The test is a blood test. People with thrombocytopenia have fewer than 150,000 platelets in every microlitre of blood. Your medical team may call this a platelet count of 150.
If your platelet level is very low, less than 50,000 per microlitre of blood, you might be at more risk of bleeding.
Treatments for thrombocytopenia
You do not normally need to be treated for thrombocytopenia. But if you need surgery, or you are bleeding, and your platelet count is very low, you may have treatment to increase it.
There are 2 main treatments, a platelet transfusion or a short course of medicine.
Most people will be offered a platelet transfusion. The medicines take several days to have an effect so they can only be used for planned (elective) surgery.
If you are having surgery and would be interested in having medicines to raise your platelet level instead of a transfusion, ask your doctor or dentist if it is suitable for you.
Platelet transfusion
A transfusion is when you are given blood cells such as platelets from another person (donor).
This increases your platelet levels straight away, but it does not last for very long. So you need to have the transfusion soon before your surgery.
Having a platelet transfusion
- You sit in a chair or lie down on a bed.
- A needle is inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.
- You might feel a sharp prick or scratch when the needle is put into your vein.
- The needle is connected to the bag of platelets with a tube.
- You will be given platelets that are safe for people with your blood group.
- The platelets run through the tube and into your vein.
- You usually have 1 or 2 bags of platelets.
- The transfusion usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.
Some people get a temperature, chills or a rash during the transfusion. These are usually treated with paracetamol or by slowing down the transfusion.
A member of hospital staff will check on you regularly. Tell them if you feel ill or uncomfortable.
For planned surgery and procedures you will usually have the transfusion on the morning of your operation. Or sometimes the night before.
Medicines to increase platelet levels
You might be given a medicine that increases the amount of platelets your body produces. This gives your levels a short-term boost.
It takes several days for the medicines to get your platelet levels high enough for surgery. So this option is only available for planned (elective) surgery.
The medicines can be prescribed by your GP, you don’t need to visit a hospital.
The medicines can have side effects including headaches, feeling sick, a rash or feeling very tired (fatigue).
Living with Thrombocytopenia
Most of the time a low platelet level will not cause any problems.
But it can increase the risk of a serious bleed. It is very important that you tell all medical and dental professionals if you have a low platelet count. This will help them to work out the safest treatment options for you.
Having any kind of liver condition can be worrying. We offer a range of support options for anyone living with a liver condition and for their family, friends and carers.
Special thanks
We would like to thank all of the medical specialists, and people with personal experience of cirrhosis who helped us to plan, develop, and review this information.
Including members of our patient advisory group, Jennifer Voller, Michael Kennedy, Dr Victoria Kronsten, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Hepatology, King’s College Hospital, Katharine Caddick, Consultant Nurse, North Bristol Trust, Maria-Emanuela Maxan, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Hepatology, King’s College Hospital and Dr Vishal Patel, Consultant Hepatologist, Kings College hospital.
Published: March 2025
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