Definition: Platelets are fragments of a particular kind of bone marrow cell that circulate in the bloodstream to form clots after cuts and other trauma, preventing excessive or prolonged bleeding.
In relation to cancer, chemotherapy can lower the amount of platelets in the body. This condition is called thrombocytopenia.
A complete blood count (CBC) test is frequently done to monitor the levels of blood cells, like platelets, in people undergoing chemotherapy.
Also Known As: PLTs, thrombocytes
