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| If you have a high platelet count and your GP suspects that you have ET, he or she will refer you to a haematologist, a doctor who specialises in treating blood diseases. The haematologist will look for clues to the diagnosis of ET and try to exclude other reasons you might have a high platelet count. Your haematologist may suggest some of these tests to help confirm a diagnosis:
• Full blood count (blood test) A full blood count (or blood test) helps the haematologist determine the levels of different cells circulating in your blood. A bone marrow biopsy (BMB) allows the haematologist to see how your marrow is working - how well it's doing its job of producing blood cells. The BMB is usually done under local anaesthetic and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. The haematologist injects anaesthetic, then uses a needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow from the pelvic bone for examination. Your haematologist may also suggest an endoscopy or colonoscopy to check for blood loss from the bowel. All these tests help to confirm (or exclude) a diagnosis of ET. |
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