Low WBC

[Babytd]

I have been to doctor in April the WBC was 3.5
                                    May the WBC was 2.8
                                    June the WBC was 3.1
                                    July the WBC was 2.8 with Gran # 1.5
my doctor finally referred me to hematologist- I go August 9.  Any ideas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Gran in WBC means granulocytes. They are a category of white blood cells characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm and they help protect the body against bacterial and fungal infections and ingest foreign debris. A count of 2.5-7.5 x 109/L is a standard normal range.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Babytd]

Thanks for responding.  I have not had any viral infections.  I was hoping you could tell me what the Gran # means in blood work?  Thanks so much!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Low WBC count shows some viral infections, immunodeficiency states, and bone marrow failure. have you recovered from some recent viral infection? I suggest that a repeat count be done after a few days and if the WBC and blood count is again found to be low, then further investigations are to be done. Causes like blood loss, bone marrow failure, erythropoietin deficiency like in kidney disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases need to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. Treatment can be started only when the diagnosis is confirmed. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.