ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam

An elevated platelet count, known as thrombocytosis, can commonly occur due to chronic inflammation. Inflammatory conditions lead to the release of various cytokines, which stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets. This response can be a part of the body’s attempt to repair tissue or combat infection, as platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis and inflammation.

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic infections, often result in elevated levels of inflammatory markers that can influence platelet production. Therefore, recognizing chronic inflammation as a cause of elevated platelet counts is crucial in clinical hematology.

The other options, while they can affect blood cell production in various ways, are not typically associated with elevated platelet counts when evaluated in the context of their commonality. For instance, liver failure can lead to thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelet count) due to splenomegaly and other factors. Vitamin K deficiency primarily affects coagulation factors and does not generally lead to elevated platelet levels. Bone marrow failure results in reduced production of all blood cells, including platelets, thus causing low counts rather than high.