Mean Platelet Volume Test

The Mean Platelet Volume test is used to calculate the number of platelets in the blood. Often included in the complete blood count test, this test is used for regular health checkups also. The platelets in the body are useful is blood clotting and thus, its increased or decreased volume can have a dominant impact on the overall well-being of the individual. This test diagnoses the individual’s health, pertaining to blood and its concentration which plays a significant role in determining the body’s response to injuries.

It is recommended that you should either wear a sleeve-less or a short-sleeved shirt. Wearing a shirt with full- sleeves that can easily be rolled-up is also fine. You will not be expected to disturb your diet routine before the Anti D Titer test. You can eat and drink as per your normal routine. However, if the sample taken is also to be used for further different tests, the doctor will inform you in advance. In that case, you might be advised to not eat for a few hours. Always follow the particular instructions given to you by the lab for the successful completion of the test.

This test is used to monitor the health and medical conditions of especially those who are on the medications that affect the platelets in the individual. It is also useful in tracing the progress of an ongoing treatment for a platelet related diseases. MPV test is also useful in detecting blood disorders that the individual might be going through. It is effective in indicating preeclampsia- a complication in pregnancy. This often leads to increased blood pressure that can affect pregnancy. Continued platelet imbalance can also lead to heart diseases and diabetes. Thus, timely detection of platelet volume can prevent chronic diseases.

This test can be conducted at registered labs and infirmaries apart from the hospitals. For the test, one or two teaspoons of a blood sample would be obtained directly from you. An alcohol pad is used to clean the skin. A needle is then injected through the part of rinsed skin into to your vein; specifically in the one that can be seen from the skin. The blood is dragged out from the needle by a nozzle, saved in a vessel and sealed with your name. This sample is then carried to the research laboratory for examination. It might take 1-2 days for the test results to be declared.