The lymphs blood test is part of a complete blood count [CBC]. The CBC is typically ordered during an annual exam or as a first-step toward a diagnosis when bothersome symptoms cannot be explained after an evaluation. Lymphocytes are one of the white blood cells that can be seen during examination of this blood test based on the complete count, a suspicion of a disease or disorder will be had if the results fall outside of a normal range.
The lymphs blood test is not specific, so a diagnosis cannot be determine by a simple count. Follow-up tests are typically ordered if there is a low or high lymphs count. Most people who have this blood test will have a count that falls within the normal range. For those who do not, here are what the results of the test may mean.
What If the Lymphs Blood Test Results Are Low?
Having a low number of lymphocytes is generally known as “lymphocytopenia.” The most common reason to have a low count is because of the presence of a chronic viral infection. Something as common as the influenza virus can cause this result, while viral hepatitis, HIV, or any other disease-causing virus can as well.
Here are the other known conditions that may also cause a low count on the lymphs blood test.
Medication.
People who regularly take corticosteroids will typically have a low white blood cell count of this type.
Autoimmune disorders.
The presence of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus will also cause there to be a reduced number of lymphocytes in the CBC.
Damage to the bone marrow.
People who receive radiation therapies or chemotherapy and have damaged bone marrow as a result will have lower levels of lymphocytes. Certain diseases that damage the bone marrow may also cause a similar result.
Treating the cause will often improve lymphocyte counts over time. For people with this result, follow-up lymphs blood test results at recurring intervals will often be ordered.
What If the Lymphs Blood Test Results Are High?
If there are more lymphocytes than expected in the blood test results, then this is known as “lymphocytosis.” The most common reason for a high lymphs count is because of the presence of an acute viral infection other than influenza. EBV, herpes, CMV, rubella, or even the chicken pox can all cause a higher than normal number of lymphocytes to appear.
Here are some of the other health conditions that may cause a high count as well.
Bacterial infections.
The presence of tuberculosis or whooping cough has been known to cause high lymph counts. Not all bacterial infections will cause a high count, however, nor will repetitive skin tests for TB that may generate a false positive.
Chronic inflammation.
Someone who is suffering from ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s disease may also have a high lymphs count.
Stress.
Having an acute level of stress in the body can boost lymphocyte numbers on a temporary basis.
Leukemia and lymphoma.
When all other causes are eliminated, a medical provider may look toward blood cancers as a cause for the higher levels of lymphs in the test.
What You Need To Know About the Lymphs Blood Test
There are several different conditions that may increase or decrease the number of white blood cells that are present in a blood sample. Sometimes these health issues will resolve on their own. Other conditions are medically significant and require treatment.
People who have recently received a blood transfusion will not usually receive an accurate lymphs blood test. Be sure to speak with a medical provider before the test is ordered if this happens to be the case in your personal circumstances.
It is also important to recognize that the results for a CBC for children are going to be different than the results from an adult test. Comparing the normal ranges for children to the figures from an adult test will produce inaccurate readings.
Abnormal readings will generally cause a medical provider to order a culture of the affected area to determine what the illness may be. This could involve urine, sputum, or blood cultures, a test for strep throat, or tests to determine the presence of a chronic viral infection. Inflammation may also cause certain results as well, so locating and then treating the inflammation will become a priority.
If you have any questions about your lymphs blood test results as they pertain to your personal medical history, then schedule an appointment with your local medical provider today.