What should my lymphocyte count be

Problems in the Myasthenia gravis results from malfunction of the Certain cancers, such as leukemias Overview of Leukemia Leukemias are cancers of white blood cells or of cells that develop into white blood cells. White blood cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow.

Sometimes the development goes awry Lymphomas are cancers of a specific type of white blood cells known as lymphocytes.

The number of lymphocytes may be very low permanently in certain hereditary immunodeficiency disorders Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders Immunodeficiency disorders involve malfunction of the immune system, resulting in infections that develop and recur more frequently, are more severe, and last longer than usual. Children with DiGeorge syndrome are born with several abnormalities Most infants with severe In children with Mild lymphocytopenia may cause no symptoms.

Sometimes, symptoms of the condition that caused lymphocytopenia may be present. For example, people may have. Painful swollen joints and a rash, suggesting rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Drastically reduced numbers of lymphocytes lead to repeated infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and the symptoms of those infections, which vary widely according to the site of infection and the specific microorganism.

Mild lymphocytopenia is usually diagnosed by chance when a complete blood count is done for other reasons. Complete blood count testing also is done in people with recurrent or severe infections and in people with infections caused by organisms that do not usually cause infections. Such testing may show severe lymphocytopenia as an explanation for why the person has developed recurrent or unusual infections. When the numbers of lymphocytes are drastically reduced, doctors usually do a blood test for human immunodeficiency virus HIV and other infections and sometimes take a sample of bone marrow to examine under a microscope bone marrow examination Bone Marrow Examination Red blood cells, most white blood cells, and platelets are produced in the bone marrow, the soft fatty tissue inside bone cavities.

Sometimes a sample of bone marrow must be examined to determine The number of specific types of lymphocytes T cells, B cells, and NK cells in the blood can also be determined. A decrease in certain types of lymphocytes may help doctors diagnose some disorders, such as AIDS or certain hereditary immunodeficiency disorders.

Treatment of lymphocytopenia depends mainly on the cause. Lymphocytopenia caused by a drug usually begins to resolve within days after a person stops taking the drug. If the lymphocytopenia is the result of AIDS, combination therapy with at least three antiviral drugs of different classes can increase the number of T cells and lengthen survival. Gamma globulin a substance rich in antibodies may be given to help prevent infections in people with too few B cells who therefore have a deficiency of antibody production.

People with a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder may benefit from stem cell transplantation Stem Cell Transplantation Stem cell transplantation is the removal of stem cells undifferentiated cells from a healthy person and their injection into someone who has a serious blood disorder.

They live for a long time after an infection is over, helping the immune system to remember previous infections. If the same germ enters the body a second time, memory T cells remember it and quickly multiply, helping the body to fight it more quickly. Natural killer T cells are a mixed group of T cells that share characteristics of both T cells and natural killer cells.

They can influence other immune cells and control immune responses against substances in the body that trigger an immune response. But a high level of lymphocytes can also be a sign of lymphocytosis, which is a more serious condition.

Lymphocytosis is frequently associated with chronic infections, some blood cancers, and with autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Lymphocyte counts below the normal range can also be temporary. They can occur after a cold or another infection, or be caused by intense physical exercise, severe stress , or malnutrition. Lymphocyte counts that signal lymphocytopenia vary for adults and children. In this test, the levels of the main types of white blood cells in the body are measured.

Lymphocyte count is one part of a larger whole blood test called a complete blood count CBC. A CBC can be requested by doctors if they suspect that a disease or infection is present. Results can indicate a normal cell count or an abnormal cell count, the latter pointing to the possible presence of a disease.

In this case, the doctor will likely ask for other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Unusually high or low lymphocyte counts may cause no signs, symptoms, or serious problems on their own. If lymphocyte counts remain high or low over time, they could be a sign of a health condition and may be diagnosed as lymphocytopenia or lymphocytosis.

These conditions can range from mild to severe, and their duration depends on what caused them. Treatment for abnormal levels of lymphocytes will depend on both the cause and severity and mild forms may not require any at all. Neutropenia describes a significant reduction in a type of white blood cell called neutrophils. Produced in bone marrow, these are an essential first…. Leukopenia is a condition where a person has a reduced number of white blood cells and an increased risk of infection.

Learn more. Blood circulates throughout the body, transporting substances essential to life. Here, learn about the components of blood and how it supports human…. Pus is a protein-rich fluid called liquor puris that is filled with dead, white blood cells that the body has sent to fight infection.

Pus is a…. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. The peripheral blood smear. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Differential leukocyte count diff - peripheral blood.

Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. Leukocytic disorders. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. Blood differential test. How the Test is Performed. A blood sample is needed.

Five types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes, normally appear in the blood: Neutrophils Lymphocytes B cells and T cells Monocytes Eosinophils Basophils A special machine or a health care provider counts the number of each type of cell.

How to Prepare for the Test.