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What Does Elevated WBC Levels Indicate?
Question:
For nearly 2 years, I have been running an elevated WBC (13-19) and neutrophils (9-15). Despite numerous rounds of antibiotics for respiratory infections, the counts never go down to normal limits. My family doctor is referring me for a hematology consult. I know these levels aren't extremely high but it is concerning that they are chronically elevated. What questions should I ask a hematologist, what should I be aware of, and what could be possible causes of the elevated levels? Thank you!!!
For nearly 2 years, I have been running an elevated WBC (13-19) and neutrophils (9-15). Despite numerous rounds of antibiotics for respiratory infections, the counts never go down to normal limits. My family doctor is referring me for a hematology consult. I know these levels aren't extremely high but it is concerning that they are chronically elevated. What questions should I ask a hematologist, what should I be aware of, and what could be possible causes of the elevated levels? Thank you!!!
Brief Answer:
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for sending the question.
This is a very common consultation for a hematologist. You have a very mild elevation of your white blood cell count with an increase in neutrophils. If your hemoglobin and platelet count our normal then this makes a primary bone marrow disorder less likely.
One of the most common causes of your type of laboratory finding is chronic inflammation. If you have underlying inflammation or infection whether it is bacterial or viral this can stimulate increase in white blood cell count and particularly neutrophils.
you might ask the hematologist if he would be interested in requesting additional laboratory studies including markers of inflammation such as sedimentation rate or CRP. But hematologist might also request LDH level. Also a flow cytometry study can be requested to evaluate for possible abnormal populations within your bloodstream.
The fact that this is been a problemfor such a long time makes it less likely that this is a serious or life-threatening issue.
I agree that a hematology evaluation is reasonable.
Thanks again for sending your question. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for sending the question.
This is a very common consultation for a hematologist. You have a very mild elevation of your white blood cell count with an increase in neutrophils. If your hemoglobin and platelet count our normal then this makes a primary bone marrow disorder less likely.
One of the most common causes of your type of laboratory finding is chronic inflammation. If you have underlying inflammation or infection whether it is bacterial or viral this can stimulate increase in white blood cell count and particularly neutrophils.
you might ask the hematologist if he would be interested in requesting additional laboratory studies including markers of inflammation such as sedimentation rate or CRP. But hematologist might also request LDH level. Also a flow cytometry study can be requested to evaluate for possible abnormal populations within your bloodstream.
The fact that this is been a problemfor such a long time makes it less likely that this is a serious or life-threatening issue.
I agree that a hematology evaluation is reasonable.
Thanks again for sending your question. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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