Does a Temperature of 37.4 Affect Blood Test Results?

Is a body temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius acceptable for a medical examination?

Recently, antibodies for the Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) were detected during blood donation.
Yesterday, my body temperature was 37.4°C.
I would like to know if this will affect my white blood cell count?

Miss Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/09

Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine

According to the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation data (https://www.blood.org.tw/Internet/main/docDetail.aspx?uid=7396&pid=6381&docid=29179), the following is an excerpt: 1.
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is primarily divided into two types: HTLV-I and HTLV-II.
2.
HTLV can cause lifelong persistent infection.
About 95% of HTLV carriers will never develop symptoms, while only 5% of carriers will develop diseases.
3.
It has been confirmed that HTLV-I can cause the following two diseases: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL/L) and a neurological condition known as Tropical Spastic Paraparesis/HTLV-associated Myelopathy (TSP/HAM); however, the incidence rates are very low, at 2% to 4% and less than 1%, respectively.
The pathogenicity of HTLV-II is still unclear.
If there are any concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2022/04/09

More Info

A temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius (99.3 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered to be on the higher end of the normal range, but it is not classified as a fever. Normal body temperature can vary based on several factors, including the time of day, the method of measurement, and individual differences. Generally, a body temperature above 37.3 degrees Celsius is considered a low-grade fever, while a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher is classified as a fever.

In the context of blood tests, particularly those measuring white blood cell (WBC) counts, a slight elevation in body temperature may not significantly affect the results. White blood cell counts can be influenced by various factors, including infections, inflammation, stress, and even physical activity. However, a mild elevation in temperature, such as 37.4 degrees Celsius, is unlikely to cause a substantial change in WBC counts.

Regarding your concern about testing positive for antibodies against the Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), it is important to understand that the presence of these antibodies indicates exposure to the virus, but it does not necessarily mean that you have an active infection or that your WBC count will be affected. HTLV can lead to chronic infections, and while most carriers remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, a small percentage may develop diseases such as Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL) or HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP/HAM). The risk of developing these conditions is relatively low, with estimates suggesting that only about 5% of HTLV carriers will experience any related health issues.

If you are concerned about your health or the implications of your blood test results, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and current symptoms. They may recommend further testing or monitoring to ensure that any potential health issues are addressed promptly.

In summary, a body temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius is not likely to have a significant impact on your blood test results, particularly your white blood cell count. However, if you have any ongoing symptoms or concerns, it is always best to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. Regular monitoring of your health, including temperature and any other symptoms, can help you stay informed about your well-being and detect any changes that may require attention.

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