What is the normal platelet count range on a Complete Blood Count (CBC) for a 53-year-old female?

Normal Platelet Range for a 53-Year-Old Female

The normal platelet count range for a 53-year-old female is 150,000-450,000/μL (or 150-450 × 10⁹/L), which is the standard reference range used for healthy adults regardless of age or sex. 1

Standard Reference Range

• The universally accepted normal platelet count for adults is 150,000-450,000/μL 1, 2
• This range applies to both men and women across all adult age groups, including a 53-year-old female 1
• Values below 150,000/μL define thrombocytopenia, while values above 450,000/μL indicate thrombocytosis 2

Clinical Context for Interpretation

When Platelet Counts Are Clinically Significant

• Mild thrombocytopenia (100,000-150,000/μL): Generally asymptomatic and requires no intervention in most cases 3
• Moderate thrombocytopenia (50,000-100,000/μL): Safe for most procedures; epidural anesthesia has been safely performed at counts as low as 50,000/μL without complications 3
• Significant thrombocytopenia (<50,000/μL): May require intervention depending on bleeding symptoms and planned procedures 3, 4
• Severe thrombocytopenia (<30,000/μL): Associated with increased bleeding risk, particularly in patients over 60 years of age 3

Age-Related Considerations

• Unlike some hematologic parameters, platelet count reference ranges do not vary significantly with age in healthy adults 5
• However, bleeding risk associated with thrombocytopenia increases substantially with age: the risk of fatal bleeding with counts <30,000/μL is 0.4% in patients under 40 years, 1.2% in patients 40-60 years, and 13.0% in patients over 60 years 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume abnormal bleeding risk based solely on platelet count: Platelet function is equally important as platelet quantity in determining bleeding risk 4, 6
• Avoid unnecessary treatment of mild thrombocytopenia: Asymptomatic patients with counts >30,000/μL typically do not require intervention 3
• Do not overlook mild thrombocytosis: While a count of 472,000/μL represents only mild elevation, investigation for underlying causes (infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, malignancy) is warranted 1
• Remember that pregnancy alters platelet counts: Mean platelet counts decline by approximately 17% during pregnancy (from 273,000/μL to 251,000/μL in first trimester), but this does not apply to a non-pregnant 53-year-old woman 3

Procedural Safety Thresholds

• Major surgery: Platelet count ≥50,000/μL is sufficient for most procedures 1, 4
• Neurosurgery or active bleeding: Higher threshold of ≥100,000/μL is recommended 4
• Epidural anesthesia: Can be safely performed with counts as low as 50,000/μL based on observational data 3