What does a platelet count of 389,000 indicate?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 17, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Platelet Count of 389,000 Interpretation

A platelet count of 389,000/μL is within the normal range and does not require any specific intervention. This value falls within the normal platelet count range of 150,000-450,000/μL for adults 1.

Understanding Platelet Count Values

Normal Range

  • Normal platelet count range: 150,000-450,000/μL (150-450 × 10^9/L) 1, 2
  • Your platelet count of 389,000/μL is in the upper normal range but not elevated

Classification of Abnormal Platelet Counts

  • Thrombocytopenia: <150,000/μL 2

    • Mild symptoms may appear at 20,000-50,000/μL
    • Serious bleeding risk when <10,000/μL
  • Thrombocytosis: >450,000/μL 1, 3

    • Mild: 500,000-700,000/μL
    • Moderate: 700,000-900,000/μL
    • Severe: >900,000/μL
    • Extreme: >1,000/μL

Clinical Implications of Your Platelet Count

No Immediate Clinical Concerns

  • Your platelet count of 389,000/μL does not indicate any pathological condition
  • No specific treatment or intervention is required
  • No activity restrictions are necessary 2

Monitoring Considerations

  • While your count is normal, values at the upper end of normal range (375-399 × 10^9/L) have been associated with a slightly increased cancer incidence (5.1%) compared to lower normal values 4
  • This is an observational finding and does not necessarily indicate causation
  • No specific screening is recommended based solely on this platelet count

When to Be Concerned

Platelet Count Thresholds for Intervention

  • Prophylactic platelet transfusion is only recommended when counts fall below 10,000/μL in stable patients 1
  • Transfusion thresholds are higher (50,000/μL) for patients with active bleeding or requiring surgery 5, 1
  • For trauma patients, maintaining counts above 50,000/μL is recommended, with higher targets (100,000/μL) for those with multiple trauma or traumatic brain injury 5

Beyond Platelet Count

  • Remember that platelet function can be abnormal despite normal counts 1
  • Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) may provide additional information about platelet function 1, 6

Conclusion

Your platelet count of 389,000/μL is normal and requires no specific intervention or concern. Regular health maintenance is appropriate.

References

Guideline

Platelet Disorders Management

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

Thrombocytopenia: Evaluation and Management.

American family physician, 2022

Research

Thrombocytosis in children.

Minerva pediatrica, 2011

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.