How often should I monitor platelet counts in patients diagnosed with essential thrombocythaemia?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

The provided UK guidelines do not specify the exact frequency for monitoring platelet counts in patients who have been diagnosed with essential thrombocythaemia ,,.

However, the guidelines do outline criteria for referral to haematology for investigation and management of thrombocytosis, which may lead to a diagnosis of essential thrombocythaemia . For instance, referral to haematology is recommended for persistent and unexplained platelet counts over 450 × 10/L (for more than 3 months) or over 600 × 10/L on at least two occasions (4–6 weeks apart), or within the range 450–600 × 10/L with other haematological abnormalities .

For polycythaemia vera, another myeloproliferative neoplasm, annual follow-up is required, which can sometimes occur in primary care to detect transformation to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukaemia ,. The management and follow-up for such conditions are typically directed by a haematologist and may depend on local protocols .

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