Is WBC Count Of 16 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sat, 11 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 11 Feb 2017 Answered on

Mon, 6 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I was diagnosed with polycythemia vera about 2.5 years ago. I've under going phlebotomy steadily during that time. My WBC has been around 10 to 11.5, today my WBC was 16. The last two days I've been fighting off a cold. Had low grade fever. Can the cold be the cause for WBC of 16? I am concerned about leukemia.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello. So a mild elevation in wbc can be very well associated with cold and infection. Leukemia will be very very rare and least on mind. No need to worry.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana