The monocytes and ESR values in my wife's hemogram report are abnormal. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

Me and my wife got an annual blood test done. Few of my wife's results are off the radar. She is 30 years old, and she had a mild cough when the tests were done. She becomes tired very easily. In the attached hemogram report, her monocytes are 0 and ESR is 80. Rest of the tests including thyroid, liver function tests, ECG, and lipid profile seem to be normal. Is this a cause for concern?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern, but after a detailed evaluation of your wife's reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I would say there is nothing to worry. Only monocytes levels are low, it does not mean much. It does not cause anything serious if the other counts are within the normal range, which is, in fact, your wife's case. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a very non-specific test and is not of much significance. However, it is still done routinely to rule out tuberculosis along with some other tests. I would advise you, obviously just as a precautionary measure and not as a matter of concern, is to get the following tests done to rule out tuberculosis:

Sputum examination for AFB (acid-fast bacillus).
CT scan of the chest.
Mantoux test.

As soon as you get the reports, please send it to me for evaluation. Do not worry and take care.