Diagnosing ITP

We begin the diagnosis by taking your complete medical history and performing a physical examination. Make sure to tell us about all of you (or your child's) symptoms.

Diagnostic Procedures for ITP

Other diagnostic procedures include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): Measures the size, number and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood (to measure platelets).
• Additional blood and urine tests: Measures bleeding time and detects possible infections. Includes a special blood test called an "anti-platelet antibody test."
• Careful review of medications
• Bone marrow aspiration: This test examines the platelet production and can rule out any abnormal cells the marrow may be producing that could lower platelet counts. It is sometimes necessary, but not always, especially for children and in mild cases. Read more about bone marrow aspiration.

ITP Treatment

Once we confirm a diagnosis, we will discuss the treatment plan with you. Learn about ITP treatment options at Stanford.