Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know

Abnormal white blood cell count?

Hello Dr.
Liao: Recently, after a health check-up, I found that two values in the report were abnormal: Neutrophil percentage (Neu%) 28.5 (normal range: 40-75%) and Lymphocyte percentage (Lym%) 59.9 (normal range: 20-50%).
I did not have any cold or take any medication before the check-up.
Could you please advise if this indicates any areas of concern? I was wondering if it could be related to carrying the hepatitis B virus.
However, both values were normal in last year's check-up.
Thank you, Dr.
Liao!

Osborn, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/27

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding your inquiry, the white blood cell count and differential should be interpreted together.
The classification of each type of white blood cell is presented as a percentage, totaling 100%.
Therefore, if you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult your family physician or seek an evaluation from a hematology specialist.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2016/10/27

More Info

Understanding abnormal white blood cell counts is crucial for assessing your overall health and identifying potential underlying conditions. In your case, the report indicates a low percentage of neutrophils (28.5%, with a normal range of 40-75%) and a high percentage of lymphocytes (59.9%, with a normal range of 20-50%). These findings can provide insights into your immune system's status and potential health issues.

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in fighting off infections, particularly bacterial infections. A low neutrophil count, or neutropenia, can make you more susceptible to infections. This condition can arise from various factors, including bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and viral infections. In your case, since you mentioned that you have not experienced any recent illnesses or taken medications, it may be worth investigating further to determine the cause of the low neutrophil count.

On the other hand, lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell that is essential for the immune response, particularly in fighting viral infections and in the regulation of the immune system. An elevated lymphocyte count, or lymphocytosis, can occur due to several reasons, including viral infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, and certain types of leukemia. Given that your lymphocyte percentage is elevated, it may indicate a response to a viral infection or another underlying condition that warrants further evaluation.

Regarding your concern about hepatitis B, while chronic hepatitis B can affect white blood cell counts, it typically does not cause isolated changes in neutrophils and lymphocytes in the manner you described. However, if you have a history of hepatitis B, it would be prudent to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend further testing to assess your liver function and the status of the virus.

It is also important to consider that laboratory values can fluctuate due to various factors, including stress, hydration status, and even the time of day the blood was drawn. Since your previous tests showed normal values, it may be beneficial to repeat the blood tests after a short period to see if the values normalize.

In summary, the abnormal white blood cell counts you are experiencing warrant further investigation. It is advisable to consult with a hematologist or your primary care physician, who can evaluate your complete blood count in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and any other relevant tests. They may recommend additional tests, such as a peripheral blood smear or bone marrow biopsy, to rule out any serious conditions and to determine the underlying cause of your abnormal results.

In the meantime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, and adequate hydration, can support your immune system. If you experience any symptoms such as fever, recurrent infections, or unusual bruising or bleeding, seek medical attention promptly. Your health is paramount, and staying proactive about your well-being is essential.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor, I have a few years of health check reports showing two items in the white blood cell count highlighted in red. My neutrophil percentage has been below the normal range, last year it was 35.4%; the lymphocyte percentage was above the normal value at 52.5%. Last year,...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, it is difficult to draw direct conclusions from partial data, and changes in these ratios do not necessarily indicate specific issues. If necessary, please consult a hematologist for evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits a...

Managing High White Blood Cell Count: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Hello Doctor: May I ask what foods should be avoided if there is an abnormal increase in white blood cells? What types of foods should be supplemented? Are there any other aspects that need attention? Thank you, Doctor!

Dr. Tang Jieru reply Cardiology
Hello, Ah Sheng: White blood cells are normal cells in the body that help defend against foreign bacteria. When white blood cell counts are elevated, it indicates that your body is under attack from external bacteria (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin wounds, etc....

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Treatment

During middle school, a blood test revealed elevated white blood cell counts. Now, in my senior year of high school, a physical examination showed a white blood cell count as high as 18,000. After a follow-up blood test, the count decreased to 10,800. Do I need any treatment? Wha...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Leukocytosis generally refers to a total white blood cell count exceeding 10,000/mm³. Most cases are due to inflammatory responses, while a smaller portion is caused by leukemia. 2. The clinical steps to diagnose leukocytosis begin with a blood test to examine peripheral blo...

Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know

Recently, the company conducted a simple health check, and several values showed abnormal results. However, it is unclear what conditions these may represent and which items require further examination. The abnormal items are as follows: WBC (White Blood Cell Count) 11,250, Plate...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, looking at the data alone is insufficient for explanation. We suggest that your company contact the hospital responsible for your health check services to assist in providing post-examination consultations for employees. We recommend Changhua Hospital. Take care.