Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Abnormal Blood Test Results?
Question: I feel good but received these test results after a retest. My original WBC was 3.2. What can be causing this abnormal blood results? Do I need to be concerned? WBC'S AUTO 4.0 - 11.0 x1000/mcL 3.0
RBC, AUTO 4.20 - 5.40 Mill/mcL 4.57
HGB 12.0 - 16.0 g/dL 11.6
HCT, AUTO 37.0 - 47.0 % 36.0
MCV 81.0 - 99.0 fL 78.8
MCH 27.0 - 35.0 pg/cell 25.5
MCHC 32.0 - 37.0 g/dL 32.3
RDW, BLOOD 11.5 - 14.5 % 15.1
PLATELETS, AUTOMATED COUNT 130 - 400 x1000/mcL 177
RBC, AUTO 4.20 - 5.40 Mill/mcL 4.57
HGB 12.0 - 16.0 g/dL 11.6
HCT, AUTO 37.0 - 47.0 % 36.0
MCV 81.0 - 99.0 fL 78.8
MCH 27.0 - 35.0 pg/cell 25.5
MCHC 32.0 - 37.0 g/dL 32.3
RDW, BLOOD 11.5 - 14.5 % 15.1
PLATELETS, AUTOMATED COUNT 130 - 400 x1000/mcL 177
Brief Answer:
What is your race? Are you black or not black?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this report and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I have reviewed your test report and this seems to be suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Do you have any bleeding issues like excessive or irregular menstrual bleeds? This could be a possible cause of the somewhat slightly lower hemoglobin and MCV. For this, I will like that you follow up with a complete iron panel investigation.
For the WBC, this could be normal depending on your race. If you are an African/Black, then this may be a normal variant. Without any symptoms at this time, there is no reason to be concerned, Unless something else comes up, I will advise that you don’t get stressed by this now.
In all, for the RBC, follow up with iron studies. For the WBC, report your race to me and it may be there is little to be afraid of at this time.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
What is your race? Are you black or not black?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this report and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I have reviewed your test report and this seems to be suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Do you have any bleeding issues like excessive or irregular menstrual bleeds? This could be a possible cause of the somewhat slightly lower hemoglobin and MCV. For this, I will like that you follow up with a complete iron panel investigation.
For the WBC, this could be normal depending on your race. If you are an African/Black, then this may be a normal variant. Without any symptoms at this time, there is no reason to be concerned, Unless something else comes up, I will advise that you don’t get stressed by this now.
In all, for the RBC, follow up with iron studies. For the WBC, report your race to me and it may be there is little to be afraid of at this time.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am hispanic and have ran low WBC for over 4 years now. It ranges between 3-3.4. I am not symptomatic at all but when you google so many life threatening illnesses come up.
Brief Answer:
Please, disregard google.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this precision.
Disregard google. The fact that the WBC has been stable at this range for more than 4years with no symptoms is very reassuring to me. The normal is not the normal as found in 100% of persons but in a majority. I have no issues if you are not part of the majority. Only get concerned if you have symptoms and clearly you don’t. Be calm, relaxed and do not get worried about this.
I hope this helps. I wish you well and glad to talk more with you if need be.
Please, disregard google.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this precision.
Disregard google. The fact that the WBC has been stable at this range for more than 4years with no symptoms is very reassuring to me. The normal is not the normal as found in 100% of persons but in a majority. I have no issues if you are not part of the majority. Only get concerned if you have symptoms and clearly you don’t. Be calm, relaxed and do not get worried about this.
I hope this helps. I wish you well and glad to talk more with you if need be.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
