Posts by Nicholas Myers

Alex Davis2 said:Hi,

This concerns my son. He’s 13 months old and is fully caught up on all his vaccinations. He hasn't been sick or run a fever until now. He was born three days early and spent a few days under blue light therapy for jaundice and high bilirubin levels. That's really the only complication he's had.

We've done blood work before every vaccine. Out of four sets of results, only one showed neutrophils within the normal range. Two were low, and the most recent one before his MMR shot was the worst—his pediatrician noted the absolute neutrophil count was below 500, which is concerning, even though the child clearly wasn't acting sick. Lymphocytes have always been elevated at 70%, while white blood cell counts stay within range.

A follow-up CBC was recommended.
The worst results looked like this:

WBC 7.1/10*9l. Ref 6-16
Neutrophils 7 % 23-66
Lymph 80 %. 18-60

One month later—in the meantime, he had the MMR vaccine and just had a mild fever of 99.5°F for one day and a rash for one day.

WBC 7.8
Neut 17
Lymph 79
Mono 9
Reference ranges are the same.

Liver function is normal, hemoglobin is 12.5, so the overall blood picture seems fine.

Now we have a blood smear as well. Does that make the neutrophil calculation more reliable?
Lymph 70, neutrof 26, monocytes 4

I want to know if my child actually has neutropenia. Two pediatricians told me to repeat the CBC in a month.
So far, no one has suggested seeing a hematologist.

Is it possible this neutropenia is just transient? Is the child's general well-being enough of an indicator that he's okay and not in danger?

Is there anything else needed for analysis right now?

Thanks.

Hello,

Based on the latest results—WBC 7.8 with a differential via peripheral blood smear showing 26% neutrophils—the calculated absolute neutrophil count is 2028/uL. By that metric, the child would not be considered neutropenic. The previous results you provided, however, do indicate neutropenia.

The most common cause for neutropenia at this age is infection, particularly viral ones, which can impact both production and the depletion of neutrophils. In these instances, the neutropenia is transient and resolves once the infection clears and viremia subsides.

Regarding this specific sample, the evidence points toward an infection (such as a fever or respiratory symptoms) followed by the normalization of neutrophil counts once those signs subside.

However, if the neutropenia persists, other causes must be investigated. I suggest repeating the CBC. Personally, I would retest in two weeks rather than waiting a month. If the repeat test still shows neutropenia, then the blood work should be repeated at least twice a week for six weeks to rule out cyclic neutropenia. At that point, a thorough medical history—including family history—should be taken, a detailed physical exam performed, and the child referred to a pediatric hematologist.

If this isn't transient neutropenia caused by a viral infection, there is a significant possibility it could be benign chronic neutropenia of unknown origin. Usually, no treatment is required unless the child suffers from frequent infections.

In any case, if the next round of testing detects neutropenia, it is time for a full evaluation.

Good luck!

redpuma10 said:Thanks so much for the reply.
I'm just a bit confused about the part where you say the typing wasn't "detailed enough." I thought—maybe incorrectly?—that this result indicated DRB1*0111?

Ma'am,

In your case, the testing was done at two-digit resolution, often referred to as low-resolution typing. You don't actually have HLA-DRB1*0111—or more accurately, HLA-DRB1*01:11—you have HLA-DRB1*01 and HLA-DRB1*11. Think of it like this: one antigen comes from your father and the other from your mother. You need both.

Within the HLA-DRB1*01 group, the HLA-DRB1*01:01 allele is by far the most common in the American population (appearing in just under 10% of people), followed by HLA-DRB1*01:02 (just over 2%), and then HLA-DRB1*01:03 (only about 0.2%). There is a high probability that you carry HLA-DRB1*01:01, which is a known factor linked to rheumatoid arthritis predisposition in Americans. However, without high-resolution typing—the kind that provides four digits—we can't state that as an absolute certainty.

Ronald Kern78 said:Hi, I'm 29. This summer, I was diagnosed with second-degree internal hemorrhoids. Dealing with constipation, irregular bowel movements (sometimes narrow), anal itching, and mild abdominal pain, I saw a gastroenterologist. His diagnosis: "IBS under observation." He ordered blood work, enzyme tests, CRP, TSH, fecal calprotectin, and eventually a colonoscopy.

My blood results came back as follows:

https://app.box.com/s/el19pacrrpfro09z4wopetyu0hkpa2x3

The elevated values are:

- LYMPHOCYTES 46.3% (ref range 20-46)
and they are at 4.8 10^9/L (ref 1.19 - 3.35)
- WBC 10.5 (ref 3.4 - 9.7)
- EOSINOPHILS 0.5 10^9/L (up to 0.43)

And the decreased value is:

- NEUTROPHILS - 41.3% (ref 44-72)

Since I don't know much about these numbers and haven't spoken to my doctor yet, are these elevations/drops significant compared to the normal range?

Hello,

Looking at the labs provided, the only actual deviation is the absolute lymphocyte count being higher than 4.0x10^9/L, which points toward mild lymphocytosis. However, the cause remains unexplained, and there are many possibilities. It depends on which symptoms you are currently experiencing. It would be reasonable to repeat the CBC, perhaps in two weeks; if the lymphocytosis increases or persists, further investigation would be necessary. Certainly, a clinical exam combined with a more detailed medical history might already suggest a potential cause.

The other values you've listed aren't significantly altered.

redpuma10 said:Hello.

Could someone please help me interpret these tissue typing results? They were ordered due to polyarthritis, though the specific diagnosis—whether unspecified or rheumatoid arthritis—is still being determined. Thanks in advance.

HLA-A 02 11
HLA-B35.
HLA-C* NT NT
HLA-DRB1*0101. Just a marker. A genetic fingerprint that points toward certain risks. It’s one piece of a much larger puzzle.
HLA-DQB1* NT NT

To whom it may concern,

The lab results indicate a genetic predisposition for rheumatoid arthritis. Specifically, you carry the HLA-DRB1*01 allele. In the context of the American population, this is the most frequent allele found among patients diagnosed with RA. There is a caveat, however: the typing wasn't performed with enough granular detail, as the actual high-risk allele is specifically hla-drb1*0101. If clinical symptoms are present—especially if accompanied by a positive rheumatoid factor—the probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis is significant.

Looking at your lab results, there's one specific marker worth noting: HLA-B35. It’s sometimes linked to a higher frequency of spondylarthritis—the kind that affects the spine—though the connection isn't particularly conclusive.

The other HLA alleles in your results aren't tied to any specific autoimmune condition. It’s a bit like having a slight predisposition to something—most HLA types carry some marginal increase in risk for various issues, but they don't point to one definitive diagnosis.

brightranger49 said:Hello.

My results finally arrived.imageCases where levels are elevated:

AST levels came back at 41 U/L. The standard reference range is 8 to 30. Slightly elevated.
ALT levels: 50 U/L (Reference range: 10 - 36).

I’ve been on Salazopyrin (2x2) for just over a month now, following my rheumatologist's advice. They're looking into suspected spondyloarthropathy. The inflammation hits my knuckles hardest, followed by my shoulders and a few other spots. I'm 39, and this has been dragging on for a couple of years; until now, I hadn't started any formal treatment. Other than that, I'm doing alright, though I have been postmenopausal since my mid-30s and am currently on hormone replacement therapy (Angeliq).

My rheumatologist ordered some liver function tests to monitor how this new medication is hitting my system. The results came back slightly elevated. My GP—who’s just filling in right now—is essentially stumped; they honestly can't decide whether I should stay the course or pull the plug on the treatment entirely. They asked if I was dealing with any new symptoms like fevers or headaches. I mentioned the migraines, though those have been part of the furniture for a long time. I tried reaching out to my specialist, but they aren't back in the office until mid-month.

I'm at a crossroads. Should I stick with the Salazopyrin or pull the plug on this therapy?

Thanks.

To whom it may concern,

Generally speaking, when it comes to taking Salazopyrin, the rule of thumb regarding AST or ALT levels is straightforward. If your numbers are sitting at or below twice the upper limit of normal, there’s no need to touch the dosage. If they climb between two and three times that limit, you might need to consider scaling back the dose or potentially stopping altogether. However, once those values exceed three times the upper limit, the medication should be discontinued immediately.

When you first start this medication, it’s wise to have your liver enzyme levels checked every two to four weeks. It's just standard procedure.

Your labs show that your AST and ALT levels are sitting at 1.4 times the upper limit of normal. Given that, you could probably stick with the current dose of Salazopyrin, provided we monitor those numbers every two weeks.

That said, this is just general guidance. I can't take responsibility for it through a screen since I don't have the full picture of your medical history.

Amanda Wright86 said:Hi. Here are my results. I’ve started taking 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3. Is there anything else I should be adding to this?

My doctor told me to start focusing on foods high in potassium. 🙂

I’m constantly exhausted. I’m dealing with this persistent lightheadedness, and occasionally, I get cramps in my stomach.

I don't quite follow why you're asking if more testing is required. It feels as though you’re treating a private lab like a boutique service where you can just order whatever you like—then checking back to see if you missed anything. The results you've shared don't actually explain the symptoms you're describing. Aside from the standard advice regarding Vitamin D3 and potassium intake, your dietary habits really need a serious look. Your labs show significant hyperlipidemia; your total cholesterol is north of 230 mg/dL, and your LDL is hovering near 230 mg/dL. That isn't good news. It could point toward familial hyperlipidemia.

Standard routine labs for symptoms like yours might include an ESR, liver function tests, BUN, creatinine, serum protein electrophoresis, and TSH. Any further testing will need to be coordinated directly with your doctor; those next steps depend entirely on whether there are specific findings in your physical or neurological exams.

Thomas Jackson9 As specified by Thomas Jackson9:
I was at the outpatient clinic over in Jordan for some pulmonary follow-ups. Not sure why they ordered an electrophoresis, though. It was just my standard three-month checkup.

Reviewing the protein electrophoresis pattern is essential, though it likely points toward polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. The list of potential culprits behind this condition is extensive. We’re looking at everything from chronic infections and liver disease to systemic connective tissue disorders, hematological issues, or even malignancies. It will take some careful navigation to pinpoint exactly what we're dealing with in your specific case.

Jessica White95 said:Hello. I’ve been running a low-grade fever for twelve days now—hovering between 98.6°F and 99.5°F, mostly staying around 99.0°F. It’s accompanied by a mild cough, muscle and bone aches, and these sudden bouts of chills. Lupus isn't touching the fever at all, and I've already tested negative for COVID twice.
I had my bloodwork done. Everything came back normal, except for one thing:

Neutrophil granulocytes at 43.1%. The reference range sits between 44 and 72.

My doctor brushed it off as nothing significant. He couldn't give me a clear explanation for this fever, yet he went ahead and prescribed Klavocin anyway—I started the first dose yesterday. Today, things have taken a turn for the worse. The coughing fits are longer and more grueling, accompanied by heavy chills. My temperature is hovering between 99.5 and 100 degrees. Other than that, nothing else is wrong.
I'm trying to figure out if this deviation is actually as insignificant as it looks, and what it actually signifies.

Ma'am,

Given how long you've been dealing with these symptoms, it would be wise to get a sedimentation test, CRP, liver panel, urea, creatinine, serum protein electrophoresis, a urinalysis, and a chest X-ray. Based on your description, we could be looking at a respiratory infection caused by an atypical pathogen—something like Mycoplasma or Chlamydia. Without seeing the actual labs or performing a physical exam, I can't say for certain, but Klavocin might not be the right call here.

As for that finding you mentioned—the neutrophil percentage—it’s essentially noise. The absolute neutrophil count matters far more than the percentage.

Brenda Alvarez24 said:I went to get blood work done and I have this sensation that I'm short of breath, like I can't take a full breath. It’s like when you need to yawn, but you only manage to get halfway through the inhale.
It hits me occasionally.
Along with that, I feel like there’s a mass of thick mucus in my lungs, and once I cough it up, breathing feels easier. I deal with dry mucous membrane syndrome, which causes issues.
I was anemic, so I'm taking iron.
Otherwise, I had a cardiology checkup this year—echocardiogram, Holter ECG, and Holter blood pressure monitor—and everything came back normal. I wasn't breathless then. I was breathless when I was anemic, but that cleared up with the iron.
Nothing specific, except for a slight tremor in the mornings, similar to what I had during my thyroid inflammation. It’s like the body is vibrating—a tremor similar to neuropathy, though the sensation is slightly different from my actual neuropathy. Sometimes it feels very much like hypoglycemia, and eating helps. Also, in cycles of every 2-3 months, I sweat profusely regardless of activity, then it passes and returns.
I have systemic lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome.
What could this result mean?
They didn't measure my blood gases.
(By the way, my mother had monoclonal gammopathy, which didn't progress to multiple myeloma, and RA.)
This feeling of shortness of breath and being unable to take a deep enough breath has bothered me periodically for years.
My spirometry showed a slightly low PEF six years ago, but nobody flagged it at the time.
Lately, I've also been having pain in the lower front part of my neck, so I wondered if it might be something with my thyroid...
I'm a bit worried...
As for the lupus, it's under control. My doctor took me off chloroquine, so now I just take Andol 100 mg for APS Sy.
My hair has been falling out crazily over the last few months; I've definitely lost about a third, if not half, of my hair.
I had a chest X-ray last winter, and the image was clear.
If there were something wrong with my lungs, I assume any damage would have shown up on the scan over the years since this started.
Result:
https://iili.io/Kn39ea.md.jpg

Dear Sophie,

I'm not one to suggest tapering patients in SLE remission off chloroquine, so I don't know why your physician decided that was the move.

The results show elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. They aren't massive, but given the symptoms you described and your underlying conditions, they could indicate hypoxia—a lack of oxygen due to lung issues. Usually, this points toward chronic hypoxia, a process occurring over a longer duration.

Inflammatory markers, specifically ESR and CRP, are missing. I think, alongside radiological imaging, it would be wise to check your acid-base status, as you mentioned. If you are coughing things up, a microbiological analysis of that mucus would be a good idea. Beyond that, considering your primary diagnosis and current symptoms, I suggest a pulmonary workup—something previously recommended—which should include spirometry, a 6-minute walk test, and CO diffusion capacity, followed by further investigation if needed. Similarly, given the neurological symptoms and the sweating, you should have your electrolytes and thyroid hormones checked, since those with SLE often have co-occurring autoimmune thyroid disease.

Megan Jones27 said:Should I run any more tests?

MPV is also sitting right at the upper limit..http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b7fc2ea139.jpg

Looking at these results, I don't see any red flags that would warrant further investigation.

Emily Ortiz27 said:Thanks. So, would imaging like an ultrasound or X-ray be more telling than just a standard blood panel, along with general physical state and any intensifying symptoms?
And what about tumor markers? Ferritin, LDH...?

It’s difficult to give you a simple, concise answer. There is no single "smoking gun" symptom for lymphoma, nor is there one reliable blood marker that provides a definitive diagnosis. Even Ferritin and LDH can come back perfectly normal. Diagnosis relies on a biopsy. Everything else—clinical signs, symptoms—just helps a doctor decide whether a biopsy is necessary in the first place. Until that sample is taken, we're essentially guessing. Furthermore, the technique matters; if the biopsy doesn't capture enough tissue, you could end up with a false negative. It isn't straightforward. In my experience, I've seen cases where a patient had lymphoma despite having completely normal labs—patients who were actually gaining weight and felt great, showing zero outward signs of illness. Then, a lymphoma is confirmed entirely by chance.

Robin Scott9 said:Respectfully, first off, thanks to Nicholas Myers for everything he does here. Great work. 🙏

Can someone help me make sense of these blood results? (Male, 28 years old, 6'2", 176 lbs). As you can see from the images, the values aren't wildly outside the normal range, but it feels strange. My doctor keeps telling me everything is fine, even though several markers are flagged with an H or L.

It’s worth noting that my lymphocyte count has been elevated during my last three or four blood draws. My TSH fluctuates between 4 and 6 (my endocrinologist thinks I don't need medication yet). Occasionally, my urine looks cloudy at night—almost like I spilled a bit of milk in there—and there's a slight stinging sensation when I go (though the urine culture came back sterile). Also, my creatinine has been hovering right at the upper limit for about two years now. Glucose was normal in previous tests. Other symptoms include eczema on my face that's quite itchy, stinging, and peeling. Thanks!

https://prnt.sc/vhhacm
https://prnt.sc/vhhaud

Hello,

Regarding the deviations in your labs: they are certainly present, though the question is their clinical significance. You mentioned urinary issues, but I don't see the urinalysis results here.

Your triglyceride concentration suggests moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Did you follow fasting protocols strictly—meaning no food for 12 hours before the draw and avoiding high-fat meals for 24 hours prior?

A TSH in the range you mentioned (up to 6 mIU/L) sits in a gray area. According to the current American Thyroid Association guidelines for rational diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, one should determine fT4 (T4) and antibody levels, then monitor both fT4 (T4) and TSH every 6-12 months depending on those findings.

The low iron concentration is unusual for a man in his prime, who would typically be expected to have optimal levels. Do you engage in regular athletic training or sports? Are you taking any dietary supplements?

What specific symptoms are prompting you to check your lab work so frequently?

Emily Ortiz27 said:I have a theoretical question stemming from a conversation where we couldn't find any answers through Googlers...
Does the progression of HL or NFL impact blood work, or can it only be detected via a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy?

Hello,

A lymphoma diagnosis requires a biopsy, typically starting with a lymph node. Blood counts can look perfectly normal in a patient with lymphoma, especially during the early stages; I’ve even seen patients with advanced disease whose blood work was flawless. Generally, though, as the disease progresses, changes in the blood profile emerge. These can range from anemia to low white blood cell or platelet counts—usually resulting from malignant cell infiltration in the bone marrow or autoimmune responses—to leukocytosis with lymphocytosis caused by circulating malignant cells, or thrombocytosis, which might be absolute due to paraneoplastic syndrome or relative due to blood loss.

Emily Ortiz27 said:Is this just stagnation, or is there an actual shift in the lab results?
No hematologist follow-up scheduled yet... Should one be?

Hi there,

The numbers look good. Stable, I’d say. I don't think a follow-up is necessary right now.

slystag4 said:I have a question regarding vaccinations.

A 2.5-year-old kid. Got the flu shot last year. After the first dose, a slight fever; after the second, nothing at all.

Three months later, hives. A prick test indicated an allergy to egg whites.

The blood test for egg allergy came back at 0.502 kU/l, which is low—anything under 0.1 is considered negative.

Is it safe to use Vaxigrip?

Hi there,

Does the child eat eggs? If so, how? Has he ever had a reaction after eating them? It seems unlikely that hives appearing three months after a flu shot would be linked to an egg white sensitivity, especially since he handled two doses of the vaccine without any issues. What were the specific results of the prick test?

boldfox5 said:Thank you for the response!

That’s correct, I also had my sex hormones checked:

Total Testosterone: 1.3 nmol/L (0.4 - 1.9)
Free Testosterone: 8.4 pmol/L (3.5 - 30)
Free Androgen Index: 0.6% (0.5 - 8.0)
SHBG 132 nmol/L (15 - 120)
Androstenedione: 8.6 nmol/L (1 - 12)
DHEAs 1.3 pmol/L (2-10)

One more thing:

For years now, my MCHC, MCV, and MCH have been low, while my RDW is slightly elevated. What might that indicate?

Thanks again for the help!

Ma'am,

I don't see progesterone, estradiol, FSH, or LH listed—did you have those tested? Additionally, cortisol and ACTH levels are missing. Based on your results, your DHEAs concentration is low. We need to look closely at adrenal gland function. If your other hormones are normal, low DHEAs in younger women can sometimes be linked to burnout. You should consult an endocrinologist.

Low MCV paired with high RDW could point toward iron-deficiency anemia, which can stem from blood loss. Certain rarer types of anemia show similar patterns, so these numbers always need to be weighed against clinical symptoms and other data. In the results you provided here, these values seem borderline rather than outright abnormal, and they align with a positive occult blood test—suggesting potential GI bleeding. A consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary.

shadowskipper15 said:Hi, I need help interpreting these endocrine results:
PTH (1) is 1.27 | ref range 1.6 to 6.9
All other values are within normal limits:
Anti-TPO (2) is 1.4 | ref range up to 5.6
Anti-TG (2) is 1.5 | ref range up to 4.1

thanks

Ma'am,

The antibodies characteristic of autoimmune thyroid disease are not elevated. To properly interpret parathyroid hormone levels, we would need to know your calcium levels (total and ionized), phosphate levels, and the specific reason this test was ordered.

Carl Jackson32 said:Hi, I'm on dialysis and my mom is my donor. The transplant is scheduled in two or three weeks. I was just wondering if someone could help me interpret these typing results.

Mine: HLA-A*01, *02; B*35, *52; C*04, *12; DRB1*11, *15; DQB1 *03(DQ7), 06

Mom's: HLA-A*01, *03; B*18, *35; C*02, *04; DRB1*11, - ; DQB1 *03(DQ7), -

I want to know how compatible we are. The department hasn't mentioned anything about the typing yet, and all the processing is done, so we're just waiting for the date. We were actually staying in the transplant ward until the COVID situation caused them to push our date back.

Hello,

The antigens with the most significant impact on transplant outcomes are A, B, and DR. Since everyone carries two A, two B, and two DR antigens, we look at a total of six. Not all antigens carry equal weight. The DR antigen is the most critical; ideally, the donor and recipient should match on both DR antigens. Next is the B antigen, while the A antigen is the least significant.

You and your mother match on 3 out of the 6 antigens—specifically HLA-A*01, HLA-B*35, and HLA-DRB1*11.

According to Eurotransplant, there is a specific ranking system with defined thresholds regarding which combinations are insufficiently compatible for a kidney transplant. On that list, there are 15 acceptable combinations.

On that scale, your specific combination sits at 14th place (out of 15) in terms of compatibility. For comparison, a better match would involve matching both DR antigens while having mismatches in both the A and B antigens.

That said, when predicting the actual probability of graft acceptance or rejection over the next 5 to 10 years, several other parameters beyond HLA antigen compatibility play a major role.

boldfox5 said:I started running these tests on my dermatologist's orders. Between the hair loss and this constant scalp pain, things weren't looking great. Because of my anemia, she sent me straight to get three blood cultures done and flagged me for a follow-up with a gastroenterologist.

To whom it may concern,

The test results don't point to whatever is causing your symptoms. Based on what I'm seeing, your thyroid likely isn't the culprit behind the hair loss or scalp issues, even if that TSH level is starting to creep toward the top end of the normal range.

The labs show some gastrointestinal bleeding, which explains why you’re dealing with mild anemia. Those hemorrhoids you mentioned could definitely be the culprit, but you really need to follow through with that gastroenterologist referral. I see you've already been sent their way. It also looks like your dermatologist suggested checking your hormone levels; an imbalance there can easily trigger hair loss and scalp issues.

Chris Allen95 said:Could someone weigh in on some blood and urine results? I’m looking for some perspective. It involves my three-year-old. It started with a standard cold—fever peaked at 101°F for maybe two days. But about ten days before the fever and respiratory symptoms kicked in, he mentioned his legs were hurting once or twice a day. He specifically points to both knees. Even after starting Clavulin, the knee pain hasn't let up.

The combination of knee pain and my recent lab results is definitely weighing on me. Honestly, though? It’s the bloodwork that’s really throwing me for a loop.

Pre-clavocina bloodwork: RBC was low at 3.86. Post-therapy, it’s up to 4.20.
White blood cell count came back at 15.1 (normal range 5–13). Current reading: 5.8.
Monocytes at 15.2 (ref: 5-13). Current reading: 6.9.
Lymphocytes at 31.6 (Ref: 15-55). The high marker is sitting at 55.4.
CRP 85 (Ref Range: 0.1–2.8) — 15.7H
MCH 29.1 (Ref range: 24.3–29.2). Current reading: 29.6. High.
RDW stands at 12.2, with the standard range sitting between 11.9 and 16.2. Hemoglobin is 11.5. It’s a narrow margin.

Everything else on both lab reports looks solid. Just a few minor flags in the urine analysis—some bacteria and salt levels are off—but the rest is within the normal range.
I’m a bit out of my depth here, but I'm struggling to make sense of these lab results. It’s confusing how his CRP is trending toward normal after the Augmentin treatment, and both the white blood cell count and monocytes are stabilizing, yet the lymphocyte levels, MCH, and RDW look even worse than they did before the meds started. That gap in the lymphocyte numbers, in particular, seems massive.

Blood was drawn on 09/29 and 10/02.
Eating normally, drinking fine, activity levels are steady. No swelling in the legs or anything like that. Everything seems standard.
I’d appreciate some insight on these results. I'm seeing a few inconsistencies that don't quite add up, and I'm trying to figure out if there's a direct link to this knee pain.

To whom it may concern,

The trend aligns with what we expected. I don't see any reason for concern here. Joint pain—arthralgia, if you want to be technical—is a common side effect seen during many types of infections. As the infection clears, the aches subside, typically leaving no lasting impact.

If we were looking at septic arthritis—an actual joint infection—the clinical picture would be entirely different. The child wouldn't be acting this way; they’d be systemically unwell and unable to even stand. What we often see instead is reactive arthritis. That’s an inflammatory response that follows a prior infection, typically surfacing a few days or weeks after a respiratory or GI bug has cleared. In adults, it can also follow a UTI or an STI.

Since the child seems fine now and the symptoms have passed, the best move is to just re-verify the lab results once they've fully recovered.

Michelle Evans32 said:Hi there.
Due to concerns regarding my thymus, I underwent a CT scan of the chest with contrast. The report states:
Mediastinal, hilar, and axillary lymph nodes show no significant enlargement. Residual thymus measures 3x1 cm axially with fatty infiltration.
Can I take this as a good sign? Thanks in advance.

Hello,

We always prefer to review the full report before offering an opinion, but based on the specific excerpt you provided, everything looks normal regarding the thymus. It appears to be a clean result.

Drew Sanchez82 said:My question remains—is there a fee for this testing?

Hi there,

I believe we've already covered this. The Mayo Clinic is a public institution, not a private one. Since the testing is handled via a doctor's referral, there is no direct charge for the service itself. At most, if you don't have supplemental insurance, you might be looking at a standard co-pay.

Drew Sanchez82 said:Hi. I'm not sure where else to ask this, so I'll try here. I'm looking into options in the US for Huntington testing.
I read online that it's possible to get tested at the Mayo Clinic. If that's true, is this something covered by an insurance referral, or is it strictly out-of-pocket?

Testing can be done at the Mayo Clinic, provided you have a medical referral. You can't just walk in and request it on your own initiative if that's what you're asking.

velvetbear372 said:Hi there,

Can an expert please interpret these results? -> https://i.ibb.co/zQ327yQ/kks.png , https://i.ibb.co/NrQdP76/h.png

Hello,

Interpreting these labs depends entirely on your symptoms—essentially, why you had them ordered in the first place.

I don't see anything alarming here. Your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are slightly elevated, which suggests you might have been mildly dehydrated during the draw. White blood cell counts are at the upper limit, though without a differential, it's hard to say much. Do you smoke? I’d suggest repeating the CBC with a differential. As for timing, that depends on what you're feeling. You might also want to check your CRP levels.

The triglyceride concentration points toward borderline to moderately high hypertriglyceridemia. Did you follow the standard protocol? That means fasting for 12 hours and avoiding heavy, fatty meals for 24 hours prior to the test. If you did, then it's likely time to look at diet, weight management, and other lifestyle factors.

Finally, your TSH is right on the edge. However, there are no actual thyroid hormone levels listed. To make sense of this, we would need to see your fT4 (T4) levels and your antibody status.

Emily Ortiz27 said:(image)[/IMG]

Hi. Given these blood results, could heavy and frequent menstrual bleeding be the sole cause, or should I worry about other factors (like these low neutrophil counts)?
The patient is a 40-year-old female, overweight but not obese, active, with moderate dietary habits (decent food choices, though irregular meal and sleep schedules).
Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and issues with focus and concentration.

I don't see any signs of inflammation—though there isn't even a CRP listed. That said, those symptoms could certainly be attributed to iron-deficiency anemia, even if it's mild. Regardless of the heavy periods, one must be cautious; you need to confirm if that’s truly the culprit or if there's potential hidden GI bleeding. Ferritin levels need to be checked to assess iron stores, urine should be tested, and running an occult blood test on stool three times wouldn't be a bad idea. An internal medicine consult and a gynecological exam are necessary before prescribing iron supplements blindly. The neutrophil values are slightly low, but since they remain above 1500/mcL, it doesn't qualify as neutropenia. For now, monitoring is sufficient.