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What Causes Elevated WBC Count?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2015
Question: A few of my routine blood test have shown elevated white blood cells. My family doctor has asked me to see a hematologist just to rule out that there are any problems. Is that appropriate or standard course? What exactly are the "problems" that she might suspect? I know I should have asked her but somehow "I want you to see a hematologist; you will have to go to an oncology office" kind of threw me for a little while.
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Exclude blood cancer, be safe.

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the query

I understand how disturbing and at some point how scary this can look like. it is important to know that many conditions can lead to raised white blood cell counts in blood. these could range from simple bacterial infections, viral infections , blood cancers like leukemias and lymphomas.

it is imperative however to rule out common causes like viruses and bacteria first. doing the test again can be helpful to be sure.

clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory reports on the nature and structure of white blood cells and the white blood cell counts themselves can compel your treating doctor to seeka second opinion from a hematologist. this is generally to rule out a blood malignancy or cancer and to be sure and safe. I am tempted to think it might be on the Groh dsy of the clinical signs and symptoms/and or results of a complete blood count or smear that your doctor th I ks you deserve to be seen by a hematologist. certainly to be safe and sure.

thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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What Causes Elevated WBC Count?

Brief Answer: Exclude blood cancer, be safe. Detailed Answer: hi and thanks for the query I understand how disturbing and at some point how scary this can look like. it is important to know that many conditions can lead to raised white blood cell counts in blood. these could range from simple bacterial infections, viral infections , blood cancers like leukemias and lymphomas. it is imperative however to rule out common causes like viruses and bacteria first. doing the test again can be helpful to be sure. clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory reports on the nature and structure of white blood cells and the white blood cell counts themselves can compel your treating doctor to seeka second opinion from a hematologist. this is generally to rule out a blood malignancy or cancer and to be sure and safe. I am tempted to think it might be on the Groh dsy of the clinical signs and symptoms/and or results of a complete blood count or smear that your doctor th I ks you deserve to be seen by a hematologist. certainly to be safe and sure. thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Dr Bain