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What Does My Blood Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 27 Nov 2015

Question: Blood came back abnormal. White Blood Count and Red Blood count are low (3.3 and 4.19 receptively). Also Neutrophis AB is low and Lympocytes % is high. Lympocytes Ab is normal. Suggested I see a hematologist. I'm starting to freak out. Should I be?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
To treat low RBC &WBC clinical history & marrow aspiration required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Low red blood cell count (RBC) can occur in case of blood loss, bone marrow suppression or hypoplasia.
Low white blood cell count (WBC) can occur due to viral infection, bone marrow suppression or hypoplasia.
Viral infection is a common cause of suppressed white blood cells and platelets.
Red blood cells are not affected in viral infections.
What is the status of platelets?
Bone marrow suppression can occur due to toxic effects of drugs, chemicals etc.
Is there any history of any drug intake?
Chronic infections like tuberculosis can also cause bone marrow suppression.
A detailed clinical history and along with bone marrow aspiration may be required to know the possible cause of low red and white blood cell count.
The differential count shows a relative increase in lymphocytes and not an absolute increase.
A relative increase in lymphocytes is due to fall in number of neutrophils which is common in case of leukopenia or low white blood cell count.

Thus, you need to consult a hematologist to find out the cause of low red and white blood cell count.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (2 hours later)

There is no history of drugs, either over the counter or recreational. Also the Platelet count was in the normal range (176). Lastly my MCV was also high at 100. I do have an appointment with a hematologist next week. Thanks for you're help. Let me know if there's anything I should be aware of or if I should ask the doctor about.

Thanks again

Zach

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A follow up of RBC and WBC counts will be required, nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Absence of any history of drugs rules out drugs to be the cause of low RBC and WBC counts.
Normal platelet count rules out possibility of viral infection.
A MCV at 100 is not pathological.
If the hemoglobin is within range, there is nothing to worry.
You can take an opinion from hematologist and probably a follow up will be required.
But there is nothing to worry and you can relax and follow up the RBC and WBC counts.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina