Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia

Abnormal blood test results?

Hello, I experienced quite severe insomnia two years ago, but my sleep quality has improved significantly over the past six months, allowing me to fall asleep in about 20 minutes.
However, I still feel very fatigued and weak; even after sleeping 8-9 hours daily, I feel extremely tired.
Additionally, I have noticed that my vision seems to be getting blurry.
A few days ago, I had blood tests done, and the doctor mentioned that I have mild anemia and an allergic constitution, but I am still worried about potential blood disorders, such as leukemia.
Could you help me interpret these abnormal values to see if there might be other underlying causes?
G.O.T 14
G.P.T 8
Alk-P 58
Total protein 7.6
Albumin 4.4
Globulin 3.2
A/G Ratio 1.4
T-Bilirubin 0.70
D-bilirubin 0.19
Ɣ -GT 11
T-cholesterol 136
Triglyceride 35
Glucose AC 86
B.U.N 12
Creatinine 0.91
Uric acid 3.6
WBC (White Blood Cells) 4.3
RBC (Red Blood Cells) 3.82 -----> Low
Hb (Hemoglobin) 11.9 -----> Low
Ht (Hematocrit) 35.8 -----> Low
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) 93.7
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) 31.2
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) 33.2
Platelet 226
Neutrophils 51.3
Lymphocytes 31.3
Monocytes 8.1
Eosinophils 8.8 -----> High
Basophils 0.5

CY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/19

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
CY,
I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent fatigue.
Your health check report indicates mild anemia and a slightly elevated eosinophil count.
Here’s an explanation:
1) The ideal hemoglobin (Hb) level for women is above 12.0 g/dL.
You have only mild anemia, and your mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is within the normal range, indicating no significant iron deficiency.
You can be reassured that this is not the cause of your fatigue.
2) Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell associated with allergic conditions, certain medications, or parasitic infections.
An elevated eosinophil count is usually related to allergic states.
Your total white blood cell count (WBC) is 4.3 x 10^3 cells/µL, which is normal, and there are no abnormal white blood cells present, so there is no concern for leukemia.
3) The remaining values are mostly within the normal range.
Your triglyceride level is slightly low at 50-150 mg/dL, so please ensure you maintain a sufficient and balanced nutritional intake.
If you continue to experience fatigue, I recommend visiting a general internal medicine or family medicine clinic for further evaluation and consultation.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chen Po-Chang
Department of Family Medicine
Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2017/05/19

More Info

Understanding blood test results can be quite daunting, especially when you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue and anemia. Based on the results you've provided, let's break down the key components and their potential implications.

Blood Test Results Overview
1. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Your RBC count is 3.82, which is slightly below the normal range. This can indicate anemia, which is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues.

2. Hemoglobin (Hb): At 11.9 g/dL, your hemoglobin level is also low. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

3. Hematocrit (Ht): Your hematocrit level is 35.8%, which is below the normal range. This measurement indicates the proportion of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. Low hematocrit can further confirm the presence of anemia.

4. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Your MCV is 93.7 fL, which is within the normal range. This indicates that the average size of your red blood cells is normal, which can help differentiate between types of anemia.

5. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Both of these values are normal, suggesting that the red blood cells that are present are adequately filled with hemoglobin.

6. White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Your WBC count is 4.3, which is within the normal range. This suggests that there is no immediate indication of infection or significant blood disorders like leukemia.

7. Platelet Count: At 226, your platelet count is normal, which is a good sign as it indicates that your blood's ability to clot is intact.

8. Eosinophils: Your eosinophil count is elevated at 8.8%. Elevated eosinophils can be associated with allergic reactions, infections, or certain autoimmune conditions.

Potential Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Given your symptoms of fatigue and the lab results indicating mild anemia, several factors could be contributing to your condition:
1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Common causes of anemia include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency. If your diet lacks these essential nutrients, it could lead to anemia and fatigue.

2. Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory diseases, or even chronic infections can lead to anemia and fatigue.
3. Bone Marrow Disorders: While your WBC and platelet counts are normal, certain bone marrow disorders can still cause anemia. However, the absence of abnormal cells in your blood suggests that this is less likely.

4. Sleep Quality: Although you mentioned improvements in your sleep quality, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue. It's essential to ensure that your sleep is restorative.

5. Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress or mental health issues like depression can manifest as physical symptoms, including fatigue.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you have concerns about blood diseases, it’s crucial to discuss these results with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further tests, such as iron studies or vitamin levels, to pinpoint the cause of your anemia.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods (like red meat, beans, and leafy greens) and foods high in vitamin B12 (like fish, meat, and dairy products).
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your health, and report these to your doctor.

4. Manage Allergies: Since your eosinophil count is elevated, addressing any underlying allergies may help improve your overall well-being.

5. Lifestyle Changes: Ensure you are engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet to support your overall health.

In conclusion, while your blood test results indicate mild anemia and elevated eosinophils, they do not suggest a blood malignancy like leukemia. However, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to investigate further and address your symptoms effectively.

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