Blood results

[Goldfish212]

Can anyone tell me what the blood results mean. Haematologist said my partner (post ET myelofibrosis) WBC's are 90 but she wants them down to 50 (he is on hydroxeacarbomide for this). His platelets are 60 (these were recently 29) and his haemoglobin is 98. He is also on Rux. What should 'normal' blood results be?

[Aime]

Hi Goldfish, I’m sorry but I’m not a medic so can’t analyse your partners blood test results. Have a look on the mpnvoice.org.uk website where you’ll find trustworthy information. Don’t dr Google as you may get inaccurate information.

If that’s not a help, don’t be afraid to get your partner to phone a GP, haematologist or clinic nurse and ask for an explanation. You are entitled to one and should not put off by asking. If your partner doesn’t understand, he/she can’t make informed decisions about treatment. Never be scared to ask.

Kindest regards Aime xx😸😸

[mhos61]

Hi Goldfish.

The only one who can truly explain your partners blood results is his haematologist, as he/she will know his history. As Amie has suggested, if you don’t understand ask questions.

In answer to your second question; you could go on the NHS website and type in ‘normal’ blood range values.

[hunter5582]

You have a couple of good suggestions already. The only thing I can add is to get a hard copy of the labs. These will often contain the "normal" range for any particular blood cell count. These ranges can vary from lab to lab, so it is important to know which set of values is being used. For instance one set of my lab "normal" ranges for platelets is 150 - 350 k/cu mm (150,000 - 350,00) while another is 140 - 440 K/uL (140,000 - 440,000). Thrombocytosis is pretty commonly considered anything above 450K. You cited the platelet numbers as 60 (up from a previous 29). Those numbers would appear to reflect thrombocytopenia (too few platelets) rather than thrombocytosis. It seems unlikely the doc would be using a medication that reduces hematopoiesis if that was the case.

I am thinking there is some confusion surrounding what these lab values are and what they mean. In order for your partner to make good decisions about care for post-ET MF, understanding all of these labs and the implications for treatment is really critical. Patients have a fundamental right and a responsibility to understand their medical condition(s), what their labs mean, and what all their treatment options are. Assertive patients receive higher quality care. Passive patients do not. Please encourage your partner to thoroughly review all of these lab results with a competent MPN-expert provider.

All the best to you and your partner. Hope you get complete answers to your questions soon.