What does plt abn distribution mean. platelets plt elevated

PLT in a blood test is an indicator of the proportion of platelets per unit volume of blood (from the English platelets - platelets). The determination of PLT in the blood is used in the initial assessment of the state of the blood coagulation system, before operations, invasive diagnostic procedures, in the diagnosis of thrombosis, suspected myeloproliferative diseases.

A blood test for PLT is carried out as part of a complete blood count, it is prescribed in cases of unexplained or prolonged bleeding, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, excessive blood during menstruation, to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases of the bone marrow.

When the number of platelets in the blood exceeds the norm, there is a risk of blood clots.

Platelets are the smallest blood cells, the diameter of each does not exceed 2-3 microns, have a round or oval flat shape, because of which they are called platelets. The material for the formation of platelets is the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes - giant cells of the red bone marrow.

Platelets are non-nuclear, colorless formations surrounded by a membrane, containing a large number of granules. On the surface of the plates are glycoprotein formations that act as receptors. The lifespan of cells is about seven days, their inactivation and utilization occurs in the liver and spleen.

Platelet Functions

The main function of platelets is blood clotting; it is they that provide a protective reaction of the body, which prevents massive blood loss in case of vascular damage.

From the bone marrow, platelets enter the blood, some of them remain in the spleen. In an intact vessel, the plates do not interact with each other; their physiological activation begins only after the injury of the vessel. Due to the presence of collagen receptors on their surface, a chain of reactions develops in response to vessel damage. Physiological activation begins with adhesion, a phenomenon that allows the plates to stick to other surfaces and stay in places with high blood flow. When in contact with a foreign surface that differs in its properties from the endothelium, the platelet swells, flattens and acquires a stellate shape with filamentous processes that significantly exceed its diameter. Simultaneously with adhesion, the process of aggregation proceeds - swelling and gluing of platelets to each other, the formation of a platelet plug in the damaged area of ​​the vessel.

If the PLT level is low, increased bleeding develops.

Platelets have phagocytic activity, contain IgG, and are involved in protecting the body from bacteria. Platelet granules and membranes contain platelet factors, which are a source of lysozyme and β-lysines capable of destroying membranes of foreign agents.

Platelets also perform an angiotrophic function, which consists in nourishing the endothelium of blood vessels.

Blood test for platelets and how to prepare for it

For analysis for PLT, blood is taken from a finger, less often from a vein. Blood must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, at least eight hours after the last meal. Before taking blood, you can only drink water.

It should be borne in mind that the number of platelets increases with stress, pain irritation, smoking, physical activity. So, on the eve of blood donation, you need to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, physical activity, stop taking certain medications - this will avoid distorting the results.

PLT norm

The level of platelets in the blood is determined in the number of plates per 1 µl of a blood sample. For adult men, the PLT norm is 200,000–400,000 U/µl, for women, 180,000–320,000 U/µl. During menstruation, the level of platelets in the blood decreases slightly. The change in the level of PLT during pregnancy is also due to physiological reasons.

In children, the rate of platelet count in the blood depends on age. To decipher the results of a blood test for PLT, you can refer to the table, which distinguishes several age groups.

The main function of platelets is blood clotting; it is they that provide a protective reaction of the body, which prevents massive blood loss in case of vascular damage.

Normal PLT in children

The values ​​of the norm may vary depending on the method of determination, conditions (equipment, reagents) of the laboratory, units of measurement. An increase or decrease in the level of platelets in the blood is always interpreted in conjunction with other indicators of the general analysis.

Decreased level of platelets in the blood

A decrease in the concentration of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia) can lead to a decrease in their production in the bone marrow, excessive destruction or improper redistribution in the bloodstream, mutations, deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Most of all thrombocytopenias are in immune forms. If the level of PLT in the blood is low, increased bleeding develops.

The causes of low PLT levels can be anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, viral liver pathologies, increased activity of the spleen, lupus erythematosus, diseases associated with thyroid dysfunction, DIC, bone marrow lesions, leukemia, taking corticosteroids, antibiotics, cytostatics, diuretics.

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia:

• intense bleeding after tooth extraction or other invasive manipulations;
• prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding;
• spontaneous nasal, gingival, pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, uterine bleeding, hemorrhages in the joint cavity;
• frequent occurrence of hematomas, punctate rash on the body and limbs;
• enlargement of the spleen;
• pain in the joints.

Platelets have phagocytic activity, contain IgG, and are involved in protecting the body from bacteria.

Elevated levels of platelets in the blood

An increase in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytosis) can be caused by microcirculation disorders, a defect in stem cells, intravascular coagulation of blood cells, non-specific activation of the thrombopoietin hormone that regulates the flow of platelets into the blood, and impaired platelet aggregation. When the number of platelets in the blood exceeds the norm, there is a risk of blood clots.

A clinical blood test is a primary examination that is performed in clinics upon admission of a patient. Analyzes show the number of formed elements and their properties. With the help of this laboratory test, the content of hemoglobin in the blood, a protein globule responsible for the oxygenation of organs, is determined.

Analysis for the number of platelets and blood clotting

An important role in the detection of diseases of the circulatory system is played by a blood test for the number of platelets. They perform vital functions in the body - angiotrophic, protective and hemostatic.

What are platelets and why are they needed?

Platelets are shaped elements of the circulatory system involved in hemostasis. The coagulation (hemostatic) system consists of platelets (platelets), coagulation factors, and endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Platelets arise during the crushing of megakaryocytes in the human red bone marrow and circulate in the circulatory system in the form of disc formations for 7-10 days.

Attention! These shaped elements help to thicken the blood. On the surface of platelets there is a special "sticky" protein. Thanks to him, the platelets stick together, forming clots. Able to stop bleeding and restore the normal shell of a damaged vessel.

What is PLT in a blood test, and what does this word mean?

How are platelets indicated in a blood test, and what does PLT mean? The designation in Latin letters PLT (from the English platelet - platelet) - means an index in a blood test that evaluates the content of platelets. The indicator is important in the diagnosis of hemostatic disorders.

PLT testing is done to count the number of platelets. In another way, the analysis on PLT is called the analysis of the level of platelets. Their norm in one microliter of blood varies in a wide range: from 150,000 to 400,000. If the level of platelets falls below the norm (less than 20,000 per microliter), the liquid thickens poorly, which leads to profuse blood loss. An extremely low platelet count can lead to spontaneous bleeding, which often ends in death. If the platelet counts are too high, they can stick together, causing blockage in the blood vessel.

A blood test for platelets is prescribed for suspected hemophilia or other disorders affecting hemostasis. Other diseases that a blood test for PLT can reveal:

• Bone marrow cancer.
• Gastric ulcer.
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia.
• Lupus.
• Kidney diseases.

Norm of PLT in the blood: analysis of indicators

Platelets in a complete blood count are measured by the number in one microliter of blood. Depending on age and gender, the normal values ​​​​of the indicator differ. The average value for women and men of adult age is 150,000-400,000 / µl. In women, the indicators of the lower limit of the norm are slightly lower than in men. Often during menstruation, platelets in the blood are lowered - this is called false thrombocytopenia. It usually disappears with menstruation.

How to prepare for a general blood test for platelets, and how is it performed?

Donate blood in the morning. There are two recommendations that must be implemented before submitting the material:

• Do not use psychotropic substances (caffeine, alcohol or amphetamines).
• Refuse food 12-14 hours before the procedure.

Deciphering the PLT indicator in a blood test

The main function of platelets is related to blood clotting. Normal blood clotting after an injury is necessary to stop bleeding in a timely manner. Individuals who have low levels of PLT in a blood test may die from blood loss caused by a small wound. Usually, platelets, sticking together with each other, clog the site of injury. With an abnormally low concentration of these cells, the process becomes inefficient and leads to severe bleeding.

Similarly, a high platelet count in the complete blood count (CBC) is a warning sign. Often this leads to the fact that too many cells stick together, and plaques form in the vessels. Plaques normally accumulate around external or internal injuries. Sometimes these injuries result from infections. Excessive clotting in itself is a dangerous disease, as it leads to the development of atherosclerosis. The plaques block blood flow to the heart, which can be fatal.

The analysis for platelets is carried out in the same way as a clinical blood test. The sample is taken from a vein or finger. Then the material is sent to the laboratory, where it is studied using chemical and microscopic analyses. PLT lab results should be reviewed by a physician. The normal range varies widely, from 1,50,000 to 4,50,000 platelets per milliliter of blood.

Important! Some people with high PLT scores suffer from hemostasis disorders and may bleed to death. This is because platelets, due to genetic characteristics, lose their “sticky” properties and are unable to stick together with each other.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a clinical syndrome in which there is a decrease in the absolute number of platelets in the fluid due to their accelerated destruction by antibodies in the spleen. Typical symptoms:

• Redness of the eyes.
• Small-spotted capillary hemorrhages (purpura).
• Tendency to bleed.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Bradycardia (low heart rate).
• Hypertension.
• Headache.

Most cases of acute ITP, especially in children, present with mild or mild symptoms. Intracranial hemorrhage occurs when the platelet count falls below a certain limit; this occurs in 0.5-1% of children, and half of these cases are fatal.

Essential thrombocytosis

Essential (primary) thrombocytosis is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder in which sustained proliferation of megakaryocytes leads to an increase in the number of circulating platelets. Essential thrombocytosis was first described by Epstein and Gödel in 1934 and has traditionally been considered a clonal disorder.

Primary thrombocythemia is characterized by the following features:

• The number of platelets in the blood is increased.
• Megakaryocytic hyperplasia.
• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

Primary thrombocytosis occurs more often in newborns or infants than in older children. A group of scientists from MIT in a recent study showed that premature babies have much higher platelet counts than full-term babies. This is important to consider when diagnosing disorders of various etiologies.

Advice! If the PLT in the blood test is elevated in a child, it is urgent to contact a pediatrician. After the initial examination, he will be referred to a hematologist to clarify the diagnosis. In some cases, an increase in the level of platelets in children is a sign of cancer.

More:

How dangerous are low platelets in the human body?

In modern medicine, the most common procedure for diagnosing various diseases is a complete blood count. It provides an opportunity to determine the level of concentration of leukocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocytes and platelets. Based on the results obtained, the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose and draw a conclusion about the state of your body.

Of course, you should not engage in self-decoding of a blood test; this should be done by a qualified specialist. But knowing the normal values ​​\u200b\u200bof the main indicators does not hurt. Therefore, today we will talk in more detail about the importance of the PLT level in a human blood test.

What is PLT in a blood test?

First you need to figure out what this abbreviation stands for. PLT (platelets) are platelets, that is, the smallest blood cells, devoid of a nucleus and resembling discs in shape. Their formation occurs in the bone marrow, and the main function is to participate in the process of blood coagulation.

Platelets are "responsible" for stopping bleeding, nourishing and restoring blood vessels. Determining the number of these cells in human blood is necessary to clarify many diagnoses.

Deciphering a blood test on PLT

The following data on the number of platelets in the blood are the norm:

• adults - 150-400 * 109 / l;
• children from 1 year old - 180-320 * 109 / l;
• age 10-14 days - 50-350 * 109 / l;
• newborns - 100-420 * 109 / l.

Small deviations of PLT from the norm in a blood test are not a cause for panic, but the platelet count above 400 * 109/l and below 140 * 109/l requires a particularly thorough examination and may well be evidence of the development of serious pathological conditions.

It is important that during the day the number of platelets in the blood can change. This is especially true for women, since the concentration of these blood cells decreases significantly during pregnancy or during menstruation, and, conversely, can increase during heavy physical exertion.

To obtain a reliable result, donate blood for analysis should be in the morning and on an empty stomach. It is strictly forbidden to drink tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages the day before, as this may affect the concentration of platelets in the blood and the data will not be entirely accurate.

Platelet levels are above normal

An increase in the level of PLT in the blood is called thrombocytosis. An increased concentration of platelets indicates the development of quite serious diseases or pathological conditions in the body, namely:

• cancerous tumors;
• arthritis and arthrosis;
• different types of anemia;
• tuberculosis;
• diseases of the circulatory system.

According to statistics, approximately 50% of patients with detected thrombocytosis are diagnosed with malignant neoplasms. Also, a significant increase in platelet levels can lead to the removal of the spleen and large blood loss.

Thrombocytosis is especially dangerous for people suffering from heart disease, since in this case the risk of complications (heart attacks, strokes, vascular thrombosis) due to the possible formation of blood clots increases significantly.

If the number of platelets is slightly increased, then it is realistic to reduce it with the help of a special diet, that is, by adding foods that help thin the blood to the diet. For example, garlic, tomatoes and tomato juice, any berries, grapefruit and lemon.

With an increased concentration of PLT, it is desirable to limit the consumption of bananas, walnuts, pomegranate, rose hips and chokeberries.

The platelet level is low

A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood is called thrombocytopenia. This condition is fraught with a violation of blood clotting, hemophilia and poses a serious threat to humans, since the walls of blood vessels gradually become excessively fragile and there is a threat of internal hemorrhages.

As mentioned earlier, low platelets are often observed in women during menstruation or during pregnancy. However, in these cases, thrombocytopenia is temporary.

A significant decrease in the concentration of platelets in the blood can provoke the following diseases:

• leukemia (in acute or chronic stage);
• cirrhosis or hepatitis;
• thyroid disease;
• various skin diseases;
• lupus;
• bone marrow pathology and cancerous tumors.

You need to know that a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood is possible with long-term use of certain medications, such as aspirin.

Signs of thrombocytopenia can be detected in yourself without laboratory tests. The following signs may be the reason for contacting a specialist:

• bleeding gums;
• heavy and prolonged periods;
• the appearance of hematomas on the body for no apparent reason;
• prolonged bleeding after minor cuts or tooth extractions;
• frequent nosebleeds.

PLT in a child's blood test

In children, the number of platelets depends primarily on age: the norms change as the child grows up. As a rule, doctors pay attention if the platelet level falls below 150 * 109/L or rises above 420 * 109/L. The causes of deviations from the norm in children are somewhat different from those that provoke them in adults.

If PLT in a blood test is elevated in a child, then the following factors can provoke this:

• leukemia;
• various infectious diseases of the lungs;
• anemia as a result of severe blood loss;
• surgical intervention;
• absence of a spleen;
• taking certain medications.

The cause of thrombocytopenia in children can be:

In addition, a decrease in the level of platelets in the child's blood may be the result of a blood transfusion.

If such deviations from the norm are nevertheless found, then parents should take some measures and protect the baby from injuries, namely:

• remove all cutting and piercing objects;
• limit the practice of traumatic sports;
• choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.

As you can see, platelets play an important role in the human body, and an analysis of the level of PLT in the blood is necessary, as it allows you to detect diseases at an early stage of development. Remember that any deviations from the norm require immediate examination and observation by specialists, since in the absence of proper treatment, the disease will steadily progress.

The content of platelets deserves to be one of the most popular diagnostic methods of examination. If the patient went to the doctor, then first they take an anamnesis, a visual examination, and then they offer a laboratory examination of the blood flow.

And this is not surprising, because by the number, volume and general condition of blood elements, you can immediately determine the presence of any disease or make sure that the patient is in good health. Let's figure out in this article what it is - PLT in a blood test and why it is done. First, let's get acquainted with the terminology.

General information about the PLT indicator

The designation PLT (English Platelets - "plate") expresses the number of platelets per unit volume of a blood smear. Platelets are flat, the smallest, rounded blood cells with several outgrowths. Also, they are characterized by the absence of nuclei.

They are produced by the most central organ of hematopoiesis - the bone marrow. The life of each platelet lasts about 8-12 days, after which the cell dies in the liver and spleen, and the synthesis of these particles resumes and repeats again.

What is the role of platelets in the blood?

Platelets play an incredibly important role because they are responsible for:

Role of PLT indicator

For these reasons, a PLT blood test helps to determine the presence of serious pathologies. Damage to the functions of vital organs is evidenced by the deviation of the PLT indicator in the blood test from the norm.

Also, this phenomenon is considered a harbinger of inflammation and other negative processes occurring hidden or without pronounced symptoms. It is very important to understand that a violation of the most important mission of platelets in the blood - its coagulability, can be very dangerous for human life.

Study preparation

In order to understand how to properly donate blood for platelet count, you must first familiarize yourself with the mandatory conditions under which the examination is allowed.

A general blood test, which reveals the concentration of platelets, is carried out to calculate the total number of these blood cells. Ahead of the question of the correct delivery of the analysis, we note that there are some simple but mandatory requirements that must be met.

We list the main conditions that allow you to take a general blood test:

Where can I get a PLT blood test?

You can donate material to determine the concentration of platelets in the blood in every laboratory you like, but it is best to go to a clinic attached to the area of ​​​​residence.

The material sampling procedure is quick, painless and is the donation of capillary or venous blood for laboratory testing.

Deciphering the results

Not all ordinary people understand what PLT means in a blood test. For this reason, a highly qualified competent specialist should decipher the results of the analysis.

Normal PLT in the blood ranges from 150-320 thousand platelets per 1 mg. For men, this figure can be from 200 to 400 thousand flat cells in the blood per 1 mg of plasma.

For newborns, the normal indicator starts at 100 thousand / μl and gradually, in increasing order, by the age of majority it becomes like that of an adult.

Small deviations in the PLT in the blood test are not critical. The concern is only a cardinal increase in the platelet count - more than 400 thousand / μl - or a significant decrease - less than 140 thousand / μl. An elevated platelet count is called thrombocytosis, and a low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia.

Factors contributing to the development of thrombocytopenia

To begin with, before interpreting the results of a blood test for PLT, it is necessary to take into account all the physiological individual characteristics of the patient's body, depending on gender, age and other characteristics. For example, the concentration of platelets is often low in pregnant women or during menstruation. In other circumstances, a decrease in the level of platelets indicates the presence of any pathology in the body of the patient being examined.

Thrombocytopenia may occur due to the use of oral contraceptives, drugs and antidepressants. In addition, the development of this disease can be affected by a deficiency of vitamin B6, B12, K, which, together with other microelements, are responsible for the state of the blood flow.

If the PLT in the blood test is low, this may be due to the following reasons:

A very low platelet count indicates a person's predisposition to severe and profuse blood loss. With this diagnosis, drugs are prescribed that increase blood clotting.

In addition to medicines, with non-critical PLT indicators, the condition can be normalized by increased consumption of foods such as beets, bananas, buckwheat, purple berries, walnuts, cream, broccoli, butter, and many others.

Pathologies caused by low PLT

Pathologies that have arisen due to thrombocytopenia include:

Causes of thrombocytosis

If the PLT in the blood test is elevated, this may be due to intense sports or strong and prolonged physical overload. Abnormal thickening of the blood can lead to blockage of the passages of the blood vessels. This phenomenon threatens the development of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks.

There are two main forms of thrombocytosis:

• Primary - a violation of the synthesis of platelets in the bone marrow.
• Secondary - develops as a result of various pathologies of the circulatory system, as well as surgical interventions, injuries and the intake of certain medications.

Also, the concentration of platelets in the blood is affected by recent operations on the spleen or liver. This is due to the fact that these organs are responsible for the elimination of obsolete squamous blood cells.

Platelets are very important elements of plasma and play an important role in the normal functioning of the body. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for PLT at least once a year, because in case of a deviation, this will help to diagnose the development of certain diseases in a timely manner.

It should not be forgotten that only an experienced specialist can correctly interpret the results of this analysis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Under no circumstances should you engage in decryption on your own.

A complete blood count (CBC) is prescribed for any disease, from the commonplace SARS to oncology. Carrying out this laboratory study does not require sophisticated equipment and a lot of time, but at the same time it provides a lot of useful information about the state of the body. For a person uninitiated in the subtleties of medicine, the result of the UAC seems to be a “Chinese letter”, because each indicator is encrypted with an abbreviation. What does PLT stand for? What does the deviation of its level from the norm mean?

PLT: what is it?

The number of platelets per unit volume of blood is denoted by PLT or Platelets, which translates into Russian as a plate. And not without reason, because these shaped elements look like a flat rounded plate, devoid of a core, with several outgrowths.

These cells are synthesized in the red bone marrow. They are responsible for:

• blood clotting and, consequently, stopping bleeding and restoring damaged tissue areas;
• cleansing the blood by removing immune complexes from the bloodstream (killed and associated with antibodies particles of viruses and other antigens) produced during inflammatory processes;
• nutrition of blood vessels, transportation of a number of biologically active substances.

Therefore, any deviations in the level of platelets from the norm are a sign of the occurrence of disorders in the body.

On average, in a healthy adult, 1 ml of blood contains 180-320 thousand platelets. Occasionally, the number of these elements is estimated in relation to the number of erythrocytes, using the Fonio method.

According to the Fonio method, there are normally 60-70 thousand platelets for every million red blood cells.

However, slight fluctuations in PLT can be observed under the influence of various factors:

1. Time of day, so KLA is always taken in the morning.
2. Physical activity provokes an increase in platelet levels.
3. Smoking leads to a decrease in PLT.
4. Eating before taking the KLA - due to the fact that the use of vegetables, meat products, fruits, fish, seafood, nuts and even parsley leads to an increase in PLT and, therefore, distortion of the results. Therefore, it is always recommended to take KLA on an empty stomach!

PLT norm in patients of different sex and age - table

Increased platelet count

An increase in the number of platelets in the blood up to 400 thousand / ml or more is called. This condition is typical for:

• oncological diseases, in particular cancer of the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands;
• chronic inflammatory processes:
  • colitis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
• sepsis (blood poisoning);
• erythremia;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• significant blood loss;
• recovery after removal of the spleen (within 2 months);
• iron deficiency anemia;
• hemorrhagic vasculitis;
• burn disease.

With lymphogranulomatosis and leukemia, both thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia can be observed.

Increasing levels in children

Elevated levels of PLT in children are observed when:

• disorders in the development of the bone marrow, spleen or its absence;
• infectious diseases of the lungs;
• colitis;
• anemia;
• taking medications:
  • aspirin;
  • Reopirina;
  • Biseptol.
• osteomyelitis;
• fractures of tubular bones;
• surgical interventions, especially those associated with significant blood loss.

Low PLT

A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood to 140 thousand / ml is called thrombocytopenia and may indicate the presence of:

• blood clotting disorders;
• hypothyroidism;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• systemic connective tissue diseases:
  • scleroderma;
  • dermatomyositis.
• DIC;
• malignant blood diseases;
• enlargement of the spleen, provoked by infection:
  • Epstein-Barr virus;
  • cytomegalovirus, etc.
• viral or chronic hepatitis;
• infectious diseases, including:
  • flu;
  • rubella;
  • measles;
  • chickenpox.
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• folic acid deficiency anemia;
• radiation sickness;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• uremia (poisoning by products of protein metabolism, characteristic of kidney disease);
• bone marrow metastases in the presence of cancer.

A decrease in the level of platelets can be observed while taking certain drugs, in particular Levomycetin, corticosteroids, Aspirin, Cisplatin, Busulfan, Chlorambucil and other cytostatics, which is a variant of the norm.

Aspirin is often used to thin thick blood:

Lowering the PLT level to 30 thousand / ml is considered critical, since with such a number of platelets, the likelihood of discovering life-threatening bleeding is extremely high. So severe thrombocytopenia is typical for:

• radiation sickness;
• Addison-Birmer anemia;
• Werlhof's disease.

With a low PLT level, it is extremely important to avoid any situations that can lead to strokes, as well as violation of the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, since this can provoke bleeding, which is difficult even for experienced doctors in the hospital to stop.

Decreased levels in children

A low platelet count in childhood can be the result of:

Thus, PLT is an important indicator of a person's health status. Deviation from the norm may indicate the development of diseases, the treatment of which is carried out by diametrically opposed methods. Therefore, you should not self-medicate. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause by analyzing the rest of the results of the KLA and the symptoms present.