Blood Platelets

Blood platelets are one of the three types of cells found in the blood and are made in the bone marrow.


The other two are the red blood cells, and white blood cells. Platelets are the smallest and the lightest of the three and their function is mainly controlling bleeding by creating clots around the affected site.

If we cut ourselves, after a short time we stop bleeding. This means that the platelets have formed a clot around the wound stopping the bleed; they have done a great job. This process can be slowed with the use of certain medications such as aspirin which a lot of people who are at risk of a heart attack or a stroke take on a daily basis.

Calcium, vitamin K, and a protein called fibrinogen help the platelets form the clot. Calcium and vitamin K must be present in the clotting process other wise it will take longer for the blood to clot causing serious problems. If the clotting process is totally impaired, a person can bleed to death.(1)

Please be aware that there are certain medications that can cause excessive bleeding like aspirin and other anti inflammatory medications. Do not take them without the direction of a physician.

1. The Franklin Institute, “Platelets: sticky situations.” Available at http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/platelet.html. Accessed December 30, 2008