Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Blood Test Normal Except WBC. Should I Consult A Specialist?
Question: My White blood cell count came back 3.7 I am a 66 year old woman. Two years ago it was 4.7 All my other blood work was normal. The family med. DR said to come back in 6 weeks for a recheck. I am worried and think I need to go to a specialist now. The company my husband works has united health care insurance. XXXXXXX
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
First of all, I would like to reassure you that your blood reports do not suggest any serious illness.
Your white blood cell count is only slightly lower than the lower limit of normal. The normal range is between 4 to 11.
The most common reason of low white cell count is a viral fever. So, in the absence of any symptoms and any other abnormalities, there is no need to worry.
I would agree with your family doctor's plan of rechecking the counts and evaluating you after six weeks.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have any more queries.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Thank you for posting your query.
First of all, I would like to reassure you that your blood reports do not suggest any serious illness.
Your white blood cell count is only slightly lower than the lower limit of normal. The normal range is between 4 to 11.
The most common reason of low white cell count is a viral fever. So, in the absence of any symptoms and any other abnormalities, there is no need to worry.
I would agree with your family doctor's plan of rechecking the counts and evaluating you after six weeks.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have any more queries.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You feel this way even though it was 4.5 2 years ago. I do not think I have had a fever or been sick lately. Still feel the same? Thanks, XXXXXXX
Hi,
Thank you for getting back with more details.
Any white cell count of more than 4 (it was 4.5 in your case) is normal.
And now that you have no symptoms or illness, an isolated finding of slightly low white cell count is not a cause of concern. It can be re-checked at a later date.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Thank you for getting back with more details.
Any white cell count of more than 4 (it was 4.5 in your case) is normal.
And now that you have no symptoms or illness, an isolated finding of slightly low white cell count is not a cause of concern. It can be re-checked at a later date.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, It just seems going from 4.5 to 3.7 in 2 years like a lot , don"t you think or not? XXXXXXX
Hi,
I do not think it is a major change, it is only a minor variation, so, please do not worry.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
I do not think it is a major change, it is only a minor variation, so, please do not worry.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
