Would low platelet be a an urgent gp appointment

[User442992286]

I’ve just had blood tests and had symptoms of low platelet counts. The gp have said I need a non urgent appointment. Does this mean it isn’t the issue?

I don't know about low platelets but earlier this year mine were high, which can be an indicator of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other things. He put me on 5mg folic acid (as my levels were low) and took blood two weeks later - platelets were back down to normal. He didn't seem worried in the slightest and said it was probably a small infection or over exertion.

If your GP isn't worried about yours being low, that's a good sign.

Low platelets does need investigating as it can be a symptom of leukaemia but on it's own, isn't overly worrying. They obviously don't think there is much chance of it being serious.

it depends on how 'low' your platelets are. I have ideopathic thrombocytopenia, and my platelets are always lower than the low end of normal range, but I don't receive any treatment or monitoring for it.

Women's platelet levels can/do vary a bit, due to menstruation and childbirth, and thrombocytopenia can be an 'accidental/no cause' type issue that sometimes fixes itself -- perhaps happens as a result of a viral infection or can be medication induced.

I wouldn't worry too much: they'll probably just want you to have a few other tests to rule out nothing serious, but due to the AZ/Pfizer jabs and low platelet counts issue that sometimes (but rarely) arises they're probably just being cautious. If your levels were massively low they'd take you into hospital.

My DB had very low platelets recently and had to have an urgent transfusion. If they were too low you'd need a transfusion.

Depends how low it is, surely? I wouldn't bat an eyelid at anything above 100, and in my experience haematology only start getting excited below about 50... Your doctor knows your symptoms, blood results, and medical history. If they think it's non-urgent, they're probably right.