Blood Test Results for Infant
An 8.5-month-old girl underwent blood tests, revealing normal results except for the following anomalies: 1. Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) at 14.9, surpassing the normal range of 5.2-14.5. 2. Low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measured at 31.3, below the normal spectrum of 31.5-36. 3. High platelet count recorded at 485, exceeding the normal count of 150-450. 4. Elevated absolute lymphocyte count at 10.2, higher than the normal range of 2.9-9.5. Should I be concerned about these findings? The infant had a mild runny nose during the blood sampling. I am currently anticipating a call from her pediatrician for further insights, but they will be unavailable until Friday. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 4:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned when you receive unusual blood test results for your baby. The findings you've shared include elevated white blood cell count (WBC), low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), high platelet count, and elevated absolute lymphocyte count. While these results can sometimes indicate underlying issues, they can also be influenced by factors like infections, especially since your daughter had a mild runny nose at the time of testing.
Explanation
-
Elevated WBC: A high white blood cell count often suggests that the body is fighting an infection or inflammation. Given the context of a recent mild cold, this elevation could simply be a normal response to her illness.
-
Low MCHC: This can indicate that red blood cells are not as concentrated with hemoglobin, which may occur with conditions like anemia. Again, this can be related to many factors, including infections or nutritional statuses.
-
High Platelet Count: An elevated platelet count might indicate a reactive process in response to infection or inflammation.
-
Elevated Absolute Lymphocyte Count: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. Their elevation often correlates with viral infections.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: P continue to observe her health closely over the next few days. Look for any new symptoms or worsening of her current condition, including high fever, persistent cough, irritability, or lethargy.
-
Keep Hydrated: Ensure she remains well-hydrated, as fluids can help both her overall health and recovery from any mild infection.
-
Documentation: Keep a note of any symptoms she shows and any changes in her condition. This information will be helpful when you talk to her pediatrician.
-
Stay Calm Until Follow-Up: Since you are awaiting a call from her pediatrician, try to remain calm. They will provide you with further clarity and specific advice based on her overall health and these results.
If you notice any significant changes, such as difficulty breathing, excessive fussiness, or anything else alarming, promptly seek medical attention before Friday.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or feel unsure as you wait to speak with the pediatrician. You're doing a great job looking out for her health.
Related Questions
Seeking Advice on a Sore on My Toddler's Neck
Greetings! I would appreciate your feedback regarding a sore on my two-year-old's neck. It has appeared relatively unchanged, possibly developing a bit of scabbing, for the last three to four days. She seems to be behaving just like any typical two-year-old. Also, ignore the other redness on her face; she just had some strawberries! In our home, we are quite familiar with impetigo; however, this sore appears quite distinct to me. Notably, my older child experienced impetigo and Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) about two weeks ago, and the medical professionals assured me that it wasn't a cause for concern regarding contagion. We will certainly consult a doctor if it becomes necessary. Yet, I wanted to gauge opinions here first. Due to some unexpected medical expenses for my eldest recently, I must admit I'm being a bit cautious before heading in for another visit. Nonetheless, I am feeling somewhat anxious about the recent health issues concerning my older child. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Semen Analysis Results: Assessing Low Motility and Vitality — Are They Temporary due to Stress?
Hello everyone, I’m a 36-year-old male and I recently received the results of my first semen analysis. I’m seeking to determine if the findings indicate a significant medical issue or if they are possibly linked to situational factors. Here’s some context that could be relevant: - I experienced considerable stress during the week the test was conducted. - My sleep quality was particularly poor the night before the test. - Since the collection took place at a clinic, I felt high levels of anxiety and minimal arousal. - Additionally, the sensation during ejaculation seemed weaker than what I normally experience. Here are the key results from the analysis: - Volume: 2.3 ml - Concentration: 30.9 million/ml - Total sperm count: approximately 71 million - Morphology: 9% (WHO reference is ≥4%) - Progressive motility: 18% (considered low) - Total motility: 36.7% (on the lower side of normal) - Vitality: 39% (low range) - No infections detected, no agglutination, and low white blood cell count The lab remarked on the presence of asthenozoospermia and necrozoospermia, indicating issues with motility and vitality. I also have some pertinent medical background: - I underwent orchidopexy as a child, resulting in one testicle being somewhat smaller while the other appears normal. - A recent urine analysis yielded normal results. - I am experiencing no pain and have shown no indications of infection. Here are my inquiries: - Is it plausible that acute stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety during the clinic visit could lead to significant reductions in motility and vitality in just one analysis? - Considering the normal sperm count and morphology, does this situation imply that the issues might be more functional or temporary rather than permanent? - Should repeating the semen analysis under more favorable conditions be the next logical step?
Is it Safe to Apply a Separated Ointment?
I have a one-month-old daughter who has been dealing with a yeast infection, for which her pediatrician recommended Miconazole cream. After finishing the first tube, I noticed some persistent red spots, prompting the doctor to prescribe another tube. However, I've noticed something concerning with this second tube; it appears to have separated. On squeezing the tube, a white cream and a clear, oily liquid resembling olive oil emerge. Should I attempt to mix the contents of the tube, or is this separation an indication of a problem? I’m unsure whether it is safe to apply this ointment. Unfortunately, my pediatrician’s office is closed for the weekend, and I've already observed that my daughter's rash is beginning to reappear after just half a day without the ointment.
Concerns Regarding My Father's Prostate MRI Results
Greetings, I'm reaching out because my father, who is 71 years old, recently underwent an ultrasound that revealed a nodule. His physician suggested an MRI for further examination, assuring us that there was no immediate cause for alarm. However, the findings indicated a PI-RADS score of 4, with a nodule measuring about 0.5 by 0.6 cm. This nodule, located in the transition zone, is non-encapsulated and poorly defined, though there are no indications of it extending beyond the prostate. His PSA level is 0.96 ng/mL and the PSA density is measured at 0.03, with the prostate’s total volume being 34cc. I find myself anxious over the PI-RADS 4 classification, as it suggests a relatively high risk for cancer, even though the PSA levels appear to be more reassuring. Thankfully, my father is asymptomatic and appears to be in good health. A follow-up appointment has already been arranged, but I’m curious—should I be concerned about any urgent implications or potential serious outcomes from this situation?
Concern Over Cystic Lesions: Seeking Clarification
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female recently diagnosed with adenomyosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome following an MRI examination. While I have a scheduled consultation with my doctor in a week, I find myself anxious for clarity on certain findings from the MRI report, which I am sharing below. The report indicates the presence of: - A thicc-walled cystic lesion exhibiting peripheral wall enhancement, approximately 2 by 1.6 cm in size, located in the right ovary, with noted thin internal septation and irregularities in the internal mucosal structure. - A smaller cyst, measuring about 2 cm in diameter, also in the right ovary, displaying thin internal septation. My primary concern regards the thick-walled cystic lesion: could it be benign, or should I be alarmed, indicating a need for further evaluation by my gynecologist? I understand that smaller cysts are generally not a cause for concern, but I wonder if this applies only to those that are uniformly shaped and possess thinner walls. The MRI was performed to evaluate potential endometriosis. A previous transvaginal ultrasound ruled out deep infiltrating endometriosis, prompting the MRI to ensure no abnormalities were overlooked, especially given that my calprotectin level was significantly elevated at over 1000, despite a colonoscopy revealing no signs of inflammation, along with reports of resistance detected externally from the colon suggesting the possibility of endometriosis. While I await my appointment, I would greatly appreciate any insights into these findings. Moreover, the MRI results also highlighted mild pelvic congestion and a small amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas (POD). --- Background Health Issues: I experience postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs) and chronic hypotension.