Elevated White Cell Count

Hello,
I have been seeing a hematologist for 2 years for an elevated white cell count, my family doctor came about it by accident and referred me to him, it has ranged between 12,000 and 15,000 this whole time, this last visit I was told I will need a bone marrow biopsy which I know is common however I am worried that he may think something that he isnt telling me, I know I should ask him my questions however he is very fast and I feel uncomfortable, please tell me what would be the reason to have this test done? The only other thing I have been told is that my blood protein was abit low. Thanks in advance for your opinion and setting my mind at ease.

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

The Bone Marrow biopsy is one way to tell if the bone marrow is working correctly.  However with the nformation you have provided, it seems like big next step.  You should ask your doctors the following questions:

1) are my cells abnormal in appearance or is the differential, type of white cells abnormal, i.e. too many of one type compared to normal.

2) Do the wbc function properly?

And if all else fails, get a second opinion.

D

[Crystal105]

Thank you I will write that question down.