Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Pathology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have three abnormal CBC reports that were taken in an interval of 15 days. The reports show high lymphocytes and low neutrophils, but WBC is within the normal range. But I am totally fit and fine. My physician suggested I take a peripheral blood smear test. The results of the test were normal with normal WBC morphology, RBC being normocytic normochromic, atypical cells were not seen, platelets were adequate, and parasites were not seen. The physician said that everything is normal and sometimes variations can occur.
But again, I showed my report to the hematologist, and he again said that the values were normal for my age (20). In addition, he said that in some people this can happen at six years of age and in some, it can happen at 20 years of age though he requested to do PBS and LDH tests again and both were normal. He said that I was totally fine but I have read that usually high lymphocytes and low neutrophils could indicate viral infections. Is it true? Yesterday, I did CBC, but this time report is totally normal. What could have caused abnormal CBC previously? Is PBS more accurate than CBC? Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
You have not mentioned how much high lymphocytosis was present. I would like to know your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) to give a more precise comment. ALC can be calculated from the total WBC (white blood cells) count. You are right in saying that temporary viral infections can lead to high lymphocyte count. Peripheral smear examination will be able to detect any atypical cell or blast if present so that early leukemia changes or infectious mononucleosis can be identified. Peripheral smear is done manually through examination under a microscope by a doctor. Hence, it is more helpful and equally important when compared to taking only CBC (complete blood count).
So, whenever high lymphocytosis is present, the doctor will usually suggest investigating with a peripheral smear examination. Kindly share all your reports so that I can evaluate them.
I wish you good health.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Pathology
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
