Diagram of platelets accumulating in the spleen

Platelets are small bits of cells that are normally found in blood. When you have a cut, platelets come together to help stop the bleeding. When the liver becomes scarred, the blood channels become narrow and blood has a tough time flowing through. Blood pressure can back up into the spleen. The spleen may get big and start holding on to the platelets. This leads to a lower platelet count. In anyone with chronic liver disease, a low platelet count, even if only a little low, may indicate cirrhosis of the liver. This is not a perfect test - some people have cirrhosis with normal platelet counts, others have low platelet counts due to other conditions. However, it is a common test that is usually done at an annual check-up.