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Can Low WBC Is Worrying?
Question: Hi Doctor<
the last annual health check came with low bc for me attaching the report here .
I used to be with WBC 3.2 and this time it came down to 2.6 is there something I need to be worried as search shows really bad things and I am worried as it says I am more at risk of infections etc.
I have school going kids and they get cold etc am I at some risk ?
Also my doctor asked me to do a retest and verify the numbers and I am very anxious and worried - please help doctor
the last annual health check came with low bc for me attaching the report here .
I used to be with WBC 3.2 and this time it came down to 2.6 is there something I need to be worried as search shows really bad things and I am worried as it says I am more at risk of infections etc.
I have school going kids and they get cold etc am I at some risk ?
Also my doctor asked me to do a retest and verify the numbers and I am very anxious and worried - please help doctor
Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Further tests are required
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the report. I understand your concern. So, we need to find out the reason for a low white cell count and platelets as well. In your age group, iam worried about chronic viral infections like hepatitis C, HIV, and sometimes myelodysplasia, which can give rise to such picture.
I will advise
Anti-HCV antibody test
HIV serology
Peripheral blood picture for any myelodysplasia.
If these tests do not reveal anything, then a bone marrow test with flowcytometry is required.
Kind regards
Feel free to ask further.
Hello dear. Further tests are required
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the report. I understand your concern. So, we need to find out the reason for a low white cell count and platelets as well. In your age group, iam worried about chronic viral infections like hepatitis C, HIV, and sometimes myelodysplasia, which can give rise to such picture.
I will advise
Anti-HCV antibody test
HIV serology
Peripheral blood picture for any myelodysplasia.
If these tests do not reveal anything, then a bone marrow test with flowcytometry is required.
Kind regards
Feel free to ask further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
Hello. Myelodysplasia needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. So if the hiv and hcv tests are negative, and you have safe habits without any transfusions in past, then viral infections as a cause are ruled out.
However, myelodysplasia remains a possibility for which peripheral blood picture and marrow examination is required. You can be at risk of infections.
I will advice you to consult your hematologist for these tests.
Kind regards
Hello. Myelodysplasia needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. So if the hiv and hcv tests are negative, and you have safe habits without any transfusions in past, then viral infections as a cause are ruled out.
However, myelodysplasia remains a possibility for which peripheral blood picture and marrow examination is required. You can be at risk of infections.
I will advice you to consult your hematologist for these tests.
Kind regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
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