Reactive thrombocytosis can be caused by what condition?

Reactive thrombocytosis refers to an increase in platelet count that occurs as a physiological response to various conditions. One of the key triggers for reactive thrombocytosis is an infection. In response to an infection, the body mounts an immune response, which includes the release of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets. This is a protective mechanism intended to enhance hemostasis and support recovery, as platelets play a crucial role in inflammation and tissue repair.

Other conditions, such as severe anemia or malignancies, can also lead to reactive thrombocytosis. However, the direct association with infections makes it a classic example and often the most cited cause. Understanding this mechanism is critical in laboratory medicine, as it helps healthcare providers differentiate between reactive thrombocytosis and other forms of thrombocytosis that are due to intrinsic bone marrow disorders, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms.