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Platelet count

Alternative Names: Thrombocyte count What the risks are: excessive bleeding fainting or feeling light-headed hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) multiple punctures to locate veins Special considerations: Drugs that can lower platelet counts include chemotherapy drugs, chloramphenicol, colchicine, H2 blocking agents, heparin, hydralazine, indomethacin, isoniazid, quinidine, streptomycin, sulfonamide, thiazide diuretic, and tolbutamide. Text Continues Below Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

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