Abnormal Blood and Urine Test Results: Next Steps - Family Medicine

More Info

---

When interpreting abnormal blood and urine test results, it is essential to understand the implications of the specific abnormalities and how they relate to your overall health. In your case, the two notable findings are an elevated eosinophil count and an increased number of epithelial cells in your urine.


Eosinophils
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune response, particularly in combating parasitic infections and in allergic reactions. An eosinophil percentage of 8.1% is above the normal range (0.0-7.0%), which could indicate several conditions:
1. Allergic Reactions: Elevated eosinophils are often associated with allergies, such as asthma, hay fever, or food allergies.

2. Parasitic Infections: Eosinophilia can also occur in response to certain parasitic infections.

3. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or vasculitis may lead to increased eosinophil levels.

4. Certain Cancers: Rarely, eosinophilia can be associated with certain types of cancers, particularly hematological malignancies.

Given that your white blood cell count (WBC) and other differential counts are normal, the eosinophilia may not be indicative of a severe underlying condition. However, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider, preferably a hematologist or an allergist, to explore the cause of the elevated eosinophils further. They may recommend additional tests, such as allergy testing or stool tests for parasites, depending on your clinical history and symptoms.


Epithelial Cells in Urine
The presence of epithelial cells in urine is not uncommon, but a count of 6-15 cells per high-power field (hpf) exceeds the normal range (0-5/hpf). Epithelial cells can originate from various parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. An increase in epithelial cells can indicate:
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infections can cause shedding of epithelial cells.

2. Inflammation: Conditions causing inflammation in the urinary tract may lead to increased epithelial cells.

3. Contamination: Sometimes, the presence of epithelial cells can result from contamination during the urine collection process.

4. Renal Conditions: In some cases, it may indicate kidney issues, particularly if accompanied by other abnormal findings.

Since your urine test did not show signs of infection (no bacteria, WBC, or RBC), the increased epithelial cells may not be alarming. However, it is prudent to follow up with a urologist, especially considering your previous elevated PSA levels and prostate biopsy. The urologist may recommend further evaluation, such as a repeat urinalysis, urine culture, or imaging studies, to rule out any underlying issues.


Next Steps
1. Consultation: Schedule an appointment with a hematologist for the eosinophilia and an allergist if allergies are suspected. For the urinary findings, see a urologist.

2. Further Testing: Depending on the specialist's recommendations, you may undergo additional tests to identify the cause of the abnormalities.

3. Monitoring: Keep track of any new symptoms, such as changes in urination, abdominal pain, or allergic reactions, and report these to your healthcare provider.


Conclusion
While isolated abnormalities in blood and urine tests can be concerning, they often require context and further investigation to determine their significance. Engaging with the appropriate specialists will help clarify the situation and guide you toward the necessary next steps for your health. Always remember that proactive monitoring and communication with your healthcare team are key components of effective health management.