Question:medium
Which of the following is true about a platelet function defect (qualitative platelet disorder)?
Which of the following is true about a platelet function defect (qualitative platelet disorder)?
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A qualitative defect leaves the count untouched but cripples primary haemostasis, so which screening test lengthens?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Normal platelet count with prolonged bleeding time
- Thrombocytopenia with prolonged bleeding time
- Normal bleeding time with normal platelet number
- Normal platelet count with decreased bleeding time
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The phrase platelet function defect points to platelets that are normal in number but abnormal in behaviour, so the screening test that depends on how platelets behave will be the one that turns abnormal. Bleeding time is the classic bedside test of primary haemostasis and is influenced both by how many platelets are present and by how well they stick to the vessel wall and to each other. In a purely functional disorder the marrow still produces a normal quantity of platelets, so any automated count comes back within range, yet because adhesion or aggregation is faulty the bleeding time stretches out. Conditions such as $Glanzmann$ thrombasthenia, $Bernard$-$Soulier$ syndrome, uremic platelet dysfunction, and antiplatelet drug effect all show this exact picture. A low count would instead signal a quantitative problem, a fully normal bleeding time with a normal count would indicate no disorder, and a shortened bleeding time is not a meaningful clinical entity. Hence the correct association is a normal platelet count paired with a prolonged bleeding time. \[\boxed{\text{Normal platelet count with prolonged bleeding time}}\]
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