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Patients

The routine blood test GPs use looks at many parts of your blood, including a type of cell called platelets.

Platelets can vary depending on your age and sex.

High platelet levels can happen for a variety of reasons, such as common infections and inflammation, or something more serious.

Most people with a high platelet count do not have cancer, but it’s one of several things a GP might consider when deciding what to do next.

It’s part of a new approach that helps GPs identify and decide if a routine blood test result may need further consideration.