American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the recommended platelet count for most procedures and surgeries to be performed safely?

1. 30,000/µL

2. 50,000/µL

3. 100,000/µL

4. 150,000/µL

The correct answer is: 50,000/µL

The recommended platelet count for most procedures and surgeries to be performed safely is 50,000/µL. This threshold is based on the risk of excessive bleeding during invasive procedures. At a platelet count of 50,000/µL, the risk of bleeding complications is significantly reduced, allowing most minor surgeries and interventions to be conducted with a reasonable safety margin. In procedures such as biopsies or minor surgical operations, platelet counts below this level may lead to increased bleeding. While certain high-risk surgeries may require an even higher platelet count, 50,000/µL is widely accepted as the minimum threshold for many common procedural contexts, striking a balance between safety and the necessity of the procedure. Maintaining this platelet count helps ensure that the hemostatic function of the blood is adequate, allowing the body to effectively manage potential bleeding during and after surgical interventions.