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What Causes Reduced Lymphocytes Value?
Question: Hello doctor, in the past 8 months my lymphocytes dropped from 36% to 11.8%. Does this mean I am hiv positive?
Brief Answer:
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The only way to know if you are HIV positive is if you take an HIV test and it is positive. If you are at risk for HIV from unprotected intercourse or IV drug use/sharing needles, then this is definitely a consideration. I recommend taking a 4th generation HIV test.
In addition, a repeat complete blood count with manual differential should be done including sending the blood to pathology to look at the lymphocytes. Another blood test should be done as well to look at how many T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and NK (natural killer) cells there are that make up your total lymphocyte count.
Depending on what the above listed blood tests show, your doctor will have a better idea of what is going on.
Not all situations of low lymphocytes are due to AIDS. They can drop from other viral infections, periods of stress, use of corticosteroids such as Prednisone, and fasting or not eating enough.
So I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you have HIV yet. But do go in to have follow up tests.
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The only way to know if you are HIV positive is if you take an HIV test and it is positive. If you are at risk for HIV from unprotected intercourse or IV drug use/sharing needles, then this is definitely a consideration. I recommend taking a 4th generation HIV test.
In addition, a repeat complete blood count with manual differential should be done including sending the blood to pathology to look at the lymphocytes. Another blood test should be done as well to look at how many T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and NK (natural killer) cells there are that make up your total lymphocyte count.
Depending on what the above listed blood tests show, your doctor will have a better idea of what is going on.
Not all situations of low lymphocytes are due to AIDS. They can drop from other viral infections, periods of stress, use of corticosteroids such as Prednisone, and fasting or not eating enough.
So I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you have HIV yet. But do go in to have follow up tests.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So low lymphocytes don't always mean it's hiv? When somebody has low lymphocyte count like me what's the most probable problem? HIV or other things like stress, flu, etc? Is 11.8% a percentage worth worrying a lot? I got my exams done today but I have to wait until Thursday for the results.
Brief Answer:
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
No, low lymphocytes can be from many different things and are not diagnostic of HIV. So no, it doesn't alway mean HIV.
Usually a sudden one time drop in lymphocytes is due to a recent viral infection and yes, flu can do that.
A lymphocyte count of 12% is not a severe situation. You still will have plenty of lymphocytes to protect you.
It is more accurate to look at the actual number of lymphocytes rather than the percentage. Because the percentage will go down, even if there are enough lymphocytes, if the other cells in the blood go up (such as more neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils). Usually when the percentage goes down, it means the actual number went down too, but the other cell percentages going up can affect the percentage number.
Your situation isn't urgent but your doctor will either repeat the CBC, or do the other tests I mentioned. So in the meantime, best not to worry about it, as your lymphocytes may just have taken a dip from physical or emotional stress or a recent viral infection.
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
No, low lymphocytes can be from many different things and are not diagnostic of HIV. So no, it doesn't alway mean HIV.
Usually a sudden one time drop in lymphocytes is due to a recent viral infection and yes, flu can do that.
A lymphocyte count of 12% is not a severe situation. You still will have plenty of lymphocytes to protect you.
It is more accurate to look at the actual number of lymphocytes rather than the percentage. Because the percentage will go down, even if there are enough lymphocytes, if the other cells in the blood go up (such as more neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils). Usually when the percentage goes down, it means the actual number went down too, but the other cell percentages going up can affect the percentage number.
Your situation isn't urgent but your doctor will either repeat the CBC, or do the other tests I mentioned. So in the meantime, best not to worry about it, as your lymphocytes may just have taken a dip from physical or emotional stress or a recent viral infection.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for the information. I just realized in the first question I didn't mention that I had unprotected sex in November, and since then my lymphocytes have been dropping like I mentioned. That's why I related the low percentage with hiv. I had my hiv examen today and I'm waiting for the results on Thursday. The fact that I had unprotected sex and now have low lymphocytes mean that it's posible I'm hiv+?
Thank you, and sorry for the repetitive questions, I am just very concerned and worried about my health and trying to figure things out because I can't wait until Thursday to see the results. I am very worried and panicked
Thank you, and sorry for the repetitive questions, I am just very concerned and worried about my health and trying to figure things out because I can't wait until Thursday to see the results. I am very worried and panicked
Brief Answer:
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
I can understand your concern given this history, and it is wise that your doctor checked an HIV test. The test should be very accurate given the number of months that have elapsed. But I wouldn't worry too much about it possibly being HIV. The rate of HIV in the US has gone down significantly. Also, there are newer medications that keep it in check and in some cases diminish the virus so much that it is negligible. People lead normal healthy lives with these medications.
And also, it might not be HIV. It is not a given that lowered lymphocytes means HIV. HIV is one possible cause, but not the only cause of lymphocytes going down.
I can understand your worry, but again, HIV infection is not what it used to be years ago, and further, it may not be HIV.
So, do whatever you can in the next couple days to keep your mind occupied so that you don't agonize over this.
XXXX
Detailed Answer:
I can understand your concern given this history, and it is wise that your doctor checked an HIV test. The test should be very accurate given the number of months that have elapsed. But I wouldn't worry too much about it possibly being HIV. The rate of HIV in the US has gone down significantly. Also, there are newer medications that keep it in check and in some cases diminish the virus so much that it is negligible. People lead normal healthy lives with these medications.
And also, it might not be HIV. It is not a given that lowered lymphocytes means HIV. HIV is one possible cause, but not the only cause of lymphocytes going down.
I can understand your worry, but again, HIV infection is not what it used to be years ago, and further, it may not be HIV.
So, do whatever you can in the next couple days to keep your mind occupied so that you don't agonize over this.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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