What Does Low RBC And High Lymphocytes Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014

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

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has slightly low rbc, 3.9 and slightly high lymphocytes, 45 now. The CBC was ordered since she has recurring throat infection and associated cough which is diagnosed to be caused by sinus problem. About a month back, rbc was 4.1 and lymphocytes were 54 percent. Other counts are normal and no other symptoms. Should I be worried ?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer: RBC count is normal, TLC required Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthCareMagic. The red blood cell count of 3.9 million/millimeter and then increasing to 4.1 million/cubic millimeter is normal. There is nothing to worry about it. The difference between the two values can be due to instrumental error which is inherent of any instrument. This variation is acceptable. In order to comment whether the lymphocyte percentage is within normal limits or beyond the normal limit, the total leukocyte count needs to be known. A comment on lymphocyte count can only be made if the total leukocyte count is known. Kindly, post your total leukocyte counts. Thanks Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (23 hours later)

Thanks for the answer. This is the current CBC report we have. Hb 12 W. B. C. 6400 DIFFERENTIAL COUNT NEUTROPHILS 51 LYMPHOCYTES 45 EOSINOPHILS 3 MONOCYTES 1 BASOPHILS 0 PACKED CELL VOLUME 35.4 RED BLOOD CELL COUNT 3.9 PLATELET COUNT 2.8 ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILIC 190 From the last CBC, done on 18/1/2013, tlc 5.1 ( range 4.0 to 10.0), lymphocytes 53

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Lymphocyte count is within normal limits Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome again, After studying the entire hemogram report, it is evident that the absolute lymphocyte count is within normal limits. A variation in the lymphocyte is normal because both the values are within normal range. Besides lymphocyte count, all other investigations are also within normal limits. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D