What Does My Lymphocyte Count Mean? An explanation by Dr. Susan LeClair on Patient Power

[lankisterguy]

What Does My Lymphocyte Count Mean? An explanation by Dr. Susan LeClair on Patient Power patientpower.info/navigatin...

Blood Expert Explains Lymphocyte Counts

If you’ve had a complete blood count (CBC) blood test and are wondering what the results for the white blood cells — or lymphocytes — mean, you’re not alone. Often cancer patients receive results in their patient portal before they can discuss them with their oncologists.

Patient Power asked Susan Leclair, PhD, CLS (NCA), retired chancellor professor from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Massachusetts, in Dartmouth, MD, to answer some of the questions that patients may have about lymphocytes.

Question 1: What are lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. While they are found in the blood stream, they are made and mature in the lymphatic system. This system is composed of the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes such as the tonsils and adenoids, and the “tubing” that connects all these sites.

There are multiple types of lymphocytes. They include T cells whose functions include:

killing damaged or infected cells by a kind of direct touch killing,

controlling the functions of other lymphoid cells,

and producing compounds called cytokines which are messengers between cells and others that control the inflammatory process.

Another major class of lymphocytes is the B cell that makes antibodies, and there are 5 different subtypes.

Lymphocytes surveil the body’s environment, assessing potential foreign antigens from the common cold to malignancies. They interact with other cells such as phagocytes (monocytes, macrophages, histiocytes and the like) and more specialized cells called dendritic cells.

Taken together, these lymphocytes form a highly sophisticated immune network of defense, deterrence, and prevention.

Question 2: What does “lymphocytes absolute high/lymphocyte absolute low” mean?

The absolute count is the exact number of lymphocytes in an entire sample of whole blood. It is when the number of cells is expressed as an absolute number, rather than as a percentage.

The absolute lymphocytes count can be calculated by multiplying the total number of white blood cells against the percentage of white blood cells. Because the older percentage method must tally up to 100, it is almost impossible to interpret if the numbers are due to an increase in one cell line and a decrease in another cell line.

Question 3: When should I worry about low lymphocytes?

Abnormally low lymphocyte numbers are referred to lymphocytopenia. For adults, this generally means a count of less than 1,000 lymphocytes per microliter of blood.

Lymphocytes play an important role in the body’s defense against viruses and other types of infections and a low lymphocyte count can therefore indicate that you have an infection, including COVID-19. Certain medications can also cause low lymphocytes, as can some types of cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

It also depends on what “low” means. There are two types of lymphocyte numbers—one is a percentage differential, and the other is other is the absolute number. If the absolute number is less than .8 or 800, then it could mean that your immune system is functioning at a sub-optimal level.

Question 4: Is a high lymphocyte count a cause for concern?

An abnormally high lymphocyte count is known as lymphocytosis. In adults, a count significantly higher than 3,000 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood is generally considered to be lymphocytosis.

In children, increases in absolute lymphocytes can occur often, usually in the early stages of many viral diseases, after vaccination and certain bacterial infection.

In adults, high lymphocyte counts can occur after an illness or can indicate the presence of a chronic infection or medical condition that causes long-lasting inflammation, like arthritis. High lymphocyte counts can also be associated with some cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Question 5: Can low lymphocytes mean cancer?

A low lymphocyte count does not necessarily mean cancer, as it can also be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or from intense physical stress. When low lymphocyte counts show up on a blood test, the CBC must be read as a unit and interpreted in the light of the patient and their medical history and presentation.

Question 6: Does a high lymphocyte count mean cancer or an infection?

Again, a high lymphocyte count can indicate cancer or an infection, but there are other causes. Even for CLL, the one criteria of an increased white cell count does not make a diagnosis.

Question 7: Why are lymphocytes important?

These cells play a significant role in the body’s defense against a foreign antigen such as a virus, as well as in the development of memory to prevent or minimize a repeat infection. They also play a role in surveilling for other conditions such as allergies, chronic infections, and malignancies.

T cell lymphocytes continually scan and monitor your cells for infection and the risk of infection, while B cell lymphocytes manufacture proteins called antibodies that are specific for the unique antigen on the surface of a pathogen.

[Aerobobcat]

Another useful and educational piece from you Lankesterguy, keep up the good work it is very much appreciated.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

If the WBC is a +diff version, there must be a result showing ALC or Lymph# or Lymphocytes, as well as ANC or Neut#

the % Lymphs is optional (may not be listed)

but used to calculate the Actual Lymphocyte Count

Len

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

If you share a copy of your results with identifying information redacted, we'll certainly provide you with feedback.Neil

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Len lankisterguy gave you the right instructions. The number you want is the Lymph# result, which is 7.1. As Len noted in his post, you can also derive it from the WBC x Lymph% which from your results is 10.6 x 67% or 7.1.

In your defence the information Dr LeClair gave was confusing when she said, "The absolute lymphocytes count can be calculated by multiplying the total number of white blood cells against the percentage of white blood cells." I believe she was trying to share the generic formula of "The absolute count of any white blood cell type can be calculated by multiplying the total number of white blood cells against the percentage of that white blood cell type."

To illustrate with the far more important absolute neutrophil count, which gives a measure of our protection from infections, on your report that's confusingly labelled as Gran (for granulocytes). They can also be labelled as Segs for Segmented, a description of how the stained nucleus appears under the microscope.

Your Gran% is 26.7, so your absolute neutrophil/granulocyte/segments count is 10.6 x 26.7 or a healthy 2.8, which you can see agrees with your Gran# result.

Neil

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Your chart is clear for the Lymph# or ALC - Absolute Lymph Count,

but is a little confusing for the Neut# or ANC, since they refer to Gran#= Granulocytes , Mono, EOS# and BASO#

This may help explain those sub divisions:

medlineplus.gov/ency/imagep...

medlineplus.gov/ency/articl...

cancer.gov/publications/dic...

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that has small granules. These granules contain proteins. The specific types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Granulocytes, specifically neutrophils, help the body fight bacterial infections. The number of granulocytes in the body usually increases when there is a serious infection. People with a lower number of granulocytes are more likely to develop bad infections more often.

Granulocytes are counted as part of a white blood cell differential test.

Granulocytes Neutrophils ESO BASO