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What Are Platelets?
Updated October 28, 2014.
Definition: Platelets
Platelets are the type of blood cell that prevents bleeding by forming clots.
If someone has a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), for example from chemotherapy for lung cancer, they are more likely to bleed. A complete blood count (CBC) is done before and after chemotherapy to check on the level of platelets.
Also Known As: thrombocytes
Examples: Evelyn began having nosebleeds after chemotherapy because her platelet count was low.
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