WBC count = 4000

[arielex]

Hi,

A CBC performed on my 7 year old daughter, gave a WBC of 4000 u/ml; in the reference values of the laboratory this test was performed, it is below the normal ranges, but looking into the internet says it can be still considered normal.

Anyway, what should I do with this result? What kind of analysis or tests should we perform to rule out other kind of diseases?

Thanks a lot!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Yes, its possible.

[arielex]

One more question Dr.:

She was with a 10-day cefixime treatment because of recurrent urinary tract infection; I performed the test two days after the treatment finished approximately. Do you think the antibiotic treatment could be a cause for her low WBC count?

Thanks! I really appreciate your replies :)

[arielex]

I'll repeat the tests in two weeks as you suggest and let you know any findings.

Thanks a lot!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If the test was performed during high fever or acute illness then WBC count may be on lower side due to infection. However, this count can still be considered normal. If the child is not ill at present, then you can repeat the test after two weeks.
If the low count persists after two weeks also then your daughter may need to undergo some tests. Other common causes of low WBC are flu, lupus, Hodgkin's lymphoma, some types of cancer, typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, enlarged spleen or hyper-spleenism, and folate deficiency. Please discuss with his treating doctor to run tests to find the cause.  Take care!