Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST]

Sandra Vaughn50 said:Absolute lymphocytosis up to 5 is totally fine and doesn't require extra hematology workups.
It’s most likely just reactive lymph nodes, which clearly don't look suspicious on an ultrasound, so that's why they didn't bother with a biopsy.

My question is: can we rule out mono?

That’s basically my main concern too—does having "non-suspicious" nodes actually mean you can rule those diseases out? Or is it possible to have enlarged, non-suspicious nodes for a long time and still end up dealing with one of these nasty illnesses? 😁

Because what's really messing with my head is that my lymphocyte count has been steadily climbing over a longer period, and unfortunately, I've been dealing with all sorts of symptoms.

My doctor hasn't sent me for any more tests, and as far as mono goes, I haven't had any massive fevers or anything that would have completely wiped me out for weeks.

And thanks for the reply 🙂

Hi there,
I was hoping someone could take a look at my lab results, which I've included in full below.
I'm a 24-year-old woman... I went in for blood work because I've been dealing with a low-grade fever, some weakness, and nausea for the last few days...
As you can see, my neutrophils are a bit low, while my lymphocytes and monocytes are on the higher side. My main question is what these numbers actually suggest, and specifically, is my neutrophil count low enough to be a real concern?
Thanks so much.

ESR 3 mm/3.6 ks ( 4 - 24 )
(K) WBC 7.1 x10e9/L ( 3.4 - 9.7 )
(K) RBC 4.87 x10e12/L ( 3.86 - 5.08 )
(K) Hemoglobin 143 g/L ( 119 - 157 )
(K) Hematocrit 0.438 L/L ( 0.356 - 0.470 )
(K) MCV 89.9 fL ( 83.0 - 97.2 )
(K) MCH 29.3 pg ( 27.4 - 33.9 )
(K) MCHC 326 g/L ( 320 - 345 )
(K) RDW 11.9 % ( 9.0 - 15.0 )
(K) Platelets 234 x10e9/L ( 158 - 424 )
(K) MPV 8.6 fL ( 6.8 - 10.4 )
(K) CBC-5
Neutrophils 34.0 % ( 44 - 72 )
Eosinophils 1.9 % ( 0 - 7 )
Basophils 0.3 % ( 0 - 1 )
Lymphocytes 51.0 % ( 20 - 46 )
Monocytes 12.8 % ( 2 - 12 )
Neutrophils 2.40 x10e9/L ( 2.06 - 6.49 )
Eosinophils 0.10 x10e9/L ( 0.00 - 0.43 )
Basophils 0.00 x10e9/L ( 0.00 - 0.06 )
Lymphocytes 3.70 x10e9/L ( 1.19 - 3.35 )
Monocytes 0.90 x10e9/L ( 0.12 - 0.84 )

Joseph Taylor3 said:That is essentially my question—whether "non-suspicious" nodes mean we can rule out those diseases, or if it is possible to have enlarged, non-suspicious nodes for an extended period and still be dealing with one of those awful illnesses?😁

It worries me because my lymphocyte count has been steadily climbing over time—and unfortunately, I am experiencing various symptoms.

My doctor hasn't sent me for any specific testing yet; regarding mono specifically, I haven't had high fevers or anything severe enough to completely floor me for long periods.

And thank you for the response, 🙂

Without specific lab testing, ruling out mono is impossible.
Are there enlarged lymph nodes in regions other than the neck? And what is the size of the largest node?

Grace Lewis84 said:Hello,
I would appreciate some commentary on my lab results, which are provided in full below.
I am a 24-year-old woman... blood work was done due to a slight fever and feelings of weakness and nausea for a few days...
As you can see, my neutrophils are low, while my lymphocytes and monocytes are elevated. My question is what can be concluded from these values, and whether the neutrophil count is significantly low?!
Thank you very much.

SE 3 mm/3.6 ks ( 4 - 24 )
(K) Leukocytes 7.1 x10e9/L ( 3.4 - 9.7 )
(K) Erythrocytes 4.87 x10e12/L ( 3.86 - 5.08 )
(K) Hemoglobin 143 g/L ( 119 - 157 )
(K) Hematocrit 0.438 L/L ( 0.356 - 0.470 )
(K) MCV 89.9 fL ( 83.0 - 97.2 )
(K) MCH 29.3 pg ( 27.4 - 33.9 )
(K) MCHC 326 g/L ( 320 - 345 )
(K) RDW 11.9 % ( 9.0 - 15.0 )
(K) Platelets 234 x10e9/L ( 158 - 424 )
(K) MPV 8.6 fL ( 6.8 - 10.4 )
(K) CBC-5
Neutrophil granulocytes 34.0 % ( 44 - 72 )
Eosinophil granulocytes 1.9 % ( 0 - 7 )
Basophil granulocytes 0.3 % ( 0 - 1 )
Lymphocytes 51.0 % ( 20 - 46 )
Monocytes 12.8 % ( 2 - 12 )
Neutrophil granulocytes 2.40 x10e9/L ( 2.06 - 6.49 )
Eosinophil granulocytes 0.10 x10e9/L ( 0.00 - 0.43 )
Basophil granulocytes 0.00 x10e9/L ( 0.00 - 0.06 )
Lymphocytes 3.70 x10e9/L ( 1.19 - 3.35 )
Monocytes 0.90 x10e9/L ( 0.12 - 0.84 )

This is likely just recovering from a viral infection.
The absolute counts for both neutrophils and lymphocytes are within acceptable ranges and do not require further action at this time.

Please have the CBC rechecked in a month.

A post from a few months back.

I noticed this thread went quiet, but I’m dealing with something similar. I had an undescended testicle as a child and underwent surgery when I was seven. An ultrasound later showed they are smaller than average, particularly the right one, which is significantly undersized. Now, I'm facing the usual issues associated with low testosterone—fatigue, exhaustion, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and some fat accumulation even though I'm not overweight. It's also been impossible to build muscle mass or get visible abs...

Breaking down the symptoms.

My symptoms are pretty varied. To list a few: almost non-existent libido, weak erections, inability to gain muscle, and a slight "beer belly" despite maintaining a healthy diet and staying active. I don't smoke or drink. I shave every 7–10 days, but I've noticed patches or holes appearing in my beard growth. I also deal with frequent nervousness, mood swings, constant fatigue, poor concentration, and low physical stamina. Even though I have a lean build, there's noticeable fat tissue...

One major factor is how these levels fluctuate; my morning levels are okay, but by evening, they drop by about 30%. Once they hit that lower threshold, the symptoms intensify, leading to more frequent mood shifts and a sense of mild depression.

Recent morning blood work.
Testosterone 14.14 4.56-28.2 nmol/L
FSH 3.03 0.9-12 mIU/mL
LH 1.46 1.1-8.7 mIU/mL
DHEA-S 299.4 238.4-539.3 ug/dL
βHCG mL

Follow-up results taken at midday.
Testosterone 6.00 4.56-28.2 nmol/L
Free Testosterone 9.6 4.5-42.0 pg/mL
Androstenedione 0.98 0.7-3.6 ng/nL
HbA1c 4.8 4.5-6.3 %

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. I am 23 years old...

Sandra Vaughn50 said:You can't rule out mono without specific lab work.
Are there enlarged lymph nodes in any areas besides the neck? And how big is the largest one?

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.

He says: "Both sides of the neck in regions II and III have several reactive-looking lymph nodes, some up to 18 mm in diameter. No pathologically abnormal lymph nodes were found.

There's a small subcutaneous node about 5 mm on the right side of the back of the neck.
And a submental node about 4 mm."

As for other lymph nodes, I haven't personally noticed or felt any others.

My potassium is at 5.4 and my white cell count is 10.1

Joseph Taylor3 said:Please forgive my delay in getting back to you! I know it's been a bit of a wait.

The doctor told me that there are some reactive lymph nodes on both sides of my neck, specifically in regions II and III, with diameters reaching up to 18 mm. But here’s the thing—they didn't find any pathomorphologically altered lymph nodes at all. It seems everything looks pretty standard from a structural standpoint!

I was just looking at some results, and there's this tiny little thing—a subcutaneous lymph node, maybe about 5mm, tucked away on the right side of my neck. It’s nothing major, just one of those small, palpable spots you notice when you aren't even looking for them.
So, I was looking over my recent results, and I noticed a submental lymph node measuring about 4mm. Just one of those little things that pops up on a report and makes you wonder, right?

As for any other swollen lymph nodes... well, personally, I haven't noticed anything, nor have I felt around for them.

The doctor decided it was time to perform a cytological puncture on those lymph nodes in my neck.

Zachary Kern6 said:Get a cytological puncture of the lymph nodes in the neck.

I actually thought of the exact same thing, but I honestly don't get why neither of those two specialists—I had ultrasounds done at two different private clinics—didn't suggest it?

Hey everyone, could someone help me make sense of these urine results? It’s for my dad, who had surgery for prostate cancer about four years ago. He just had a cytology screening because there was a tiny trace of blood in his urine—specifically near the lower bladder area.
"Urine (3-day collection) shows sparse cellular sediment with highly degenerative clusters of transitional and squamous epithelium. One sample contained a small cluster of dyskaryotic transitional epithelial cells, some neutrophilic granulocytes, mucus, and rare Red blood cells. Follow-up urine cytology scheduled in 3 months."

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Amanda Perez42 said:Hi, can someone help me make sense of this urine cytology report? It’s for my father, who had prostate cancer surgery four years ago. He just had a cytology screening because there were tiny traces of blood in his urine (specifically in the lower part)
"Urine (3 days) shows sparse cellular sediment with highly degenerative clusters of transitional and squamous epithelium; one sample contained a small cluster of dyscariotic transitional epithelial cells, some neutrophilic granulocytes, mucus, and rare Red blood cells. Follow-up urine cytology in 3 months."

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The results are non-specific. Namely, the sample detected a small number of cells with abnormal features—meaning they deviate from normal cell structures—but not significantly enough to identify exactly what type of cells they are. Some cytologists use this terminology to describe cells altered by inflammation, essentially cells changed due to chronic inflammation. Since a definitive identification isn't possible right now, a repeat test in three months is recommended. Whether anything needs to be done before those three months are up? This cytology report can't answer that; a urological exam would be the way to go for that assessment.

Thanks so much! My dad just got his referral for an ultrasound, and the doctor actually recommended he get the procedure done now instead of waiting three months like originally planned.

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Joseph Taylor3 said:Can someone please explain this? I'm lost.

So, here’s the deal: I’ve been dealing with these swollen lymph nodes in my neck for quite a while now. Back in May, I went in for an ultrasound, and the doctor basically told me not to sweat it—he didn't think it was anything major and suggested I just come back in October to check again. Well, fast forward to October, and I went back for another neck ultrasound a few weeks ago. This time, I saw a different doctor, and he gave me the same old story: yeah, the nodes are enlarged, but everything looks fine, so there's no need for any extra tests or follow-ups. Everything's "okay," apparently.

But here’s what’s actually tripping me out. I've been looking at my CBC trends, and the numbers are creeping up way faster than I'd like. A year ago, my absolute lymphocyte count was sitting at 2.4 (with a relative count of 30%). Six months ago, it bumped up to 2.9 (relative 36%). And now, looking at today's results? It's jumped to 3.7 absolute and 43% relative. For context, the standard upper limit for absolute lymphocytes is supposed to be 3.35, and the relative cap is 46%. It feels like I'm steadily climbing toward that ceiling, and honestly, it's starting to get under my skin.

So, my doctor finally went over today’s lab results, and she’s basically telling me everything looks totally fine. Honestly? I’m not buying it. It feels way too convenient that this unknown change popped up at the exact same time my lymph nodes started swelling—the same damn thing the doctors told me not to worry about. Like, seriously? Give me a break. On top of all that nonsense, I’m still dealing with constant fatigue, these lightheaded spells, and this nagging feeling like I’m coming down with some random flu every other day. It’s exhausting.

Joseph Taylor3 said:That’s pretty much my main question right here. Does having "non-suspicious" nodes actually mean you can rule out those diseases entirely? Or is it possible to just have enlarged, non-suspicious nodes hanging around for a long time and still end up dealing with one of those nasty illnesses anyway? 😁

Honestly, I don't even care that my lymphocyte count has been steadily climbing lately—I'm way more concerned about the fact that I'm dealing with a whole laundry list of symptoms right now. It’s just one thing after another, unfortunately.

Joseph Taylor3 said:Kaze: "Both sides of the neck in regions II and III show several reactive lymph nodes, measuring up to 18 mm in diameter. No pathologically altered lymph nodes were found."

Look, I know I’m probably going to be incredibly annoying and tedious by asking this one more time, but here we go. Honestly, it's mostly because my relationship with my doctor isn't exactly great right now, and I just know she’s going to roll her eyes and dismiss me the second I start explaining what's going on. But hey, health is health, right? I just want some clarity. I need to figure out if I should be pushing for more testing, or if I should just take the specialists at their word—they said my lymph nodes look totally normal—and finally stop obsessing over this. I'd love to just move on and stop thinking about it. Thanks.

Hello everyone,

For quite some time now, I’ve been feeling weak, lethargic, and somewhat listless. I have spent much of this past year undergoing various medical tests. My most recent blood work actually surprised my doctor, and while I’ve attempted to research it online, I haven't found anything particularly helpful. I would appreciate it if someone could offer some insight or perhaps point me in the right direction regarding these results. It might be worth noting that I am scheduled to have a wisdom tooth extracted in a few days, and I am currently finishing another course of antibiotics due to an infection. For context, I am 24 years old and had no health issues prior to this year; however, things have changed significantly, and I am now on my seventh round of antibiotics since June.

Red blood cell 3.57L
Hemoglobin 124

MCV 103.2H
MCH 34.7H

Iron 32.5H
UIBC 14.5L

Thank you all in advance

What could be causing a slightly elevated ALP? Everything else—ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and urea—is totally normal.

The only other thing out of range on the blood work is hemoglobin, which is just a tiny bit low. My doctor says the results are fine, though I did go in because of some fatigue and abdominal pain.

Basically, she doesn't think there's anything worth worrying about here.

40-year-old male

Jessica Davis6 said:Hi everyone,

I've been feeling weak and lethargic for quite some time now—almost listless, really—and I've spent most of this year running various tests. My latest blood work actually caught my doctor off guard, and while I've tried searching for answers online, I haven't found much traction. If anyone could offer some insight or perhaps point me in the right direction, I would truly appreciate it. It might be relevant to mention that I'm scheduled for a wisdom tooth extraction in a few days, and I am currently back on antibiotics due to an infection. Otherwise, I'm 24 years old and hadn't faced any health issues until this year—but things have shifted, and I'm now on my seventh round of antibiotics since June.

Red blood cell 3.57L
Hemoglobin 124

MCV 103.2H
MCH 34.7H

Iron 32.5H
UIBC 14.5L

Thank you all in advance

It is necessary—if it hasn't been done already—to determine Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Are you consuming excessive amounts of alcohol? Are you a vegetarian? What about the other blood counts (WBC, Platelets)? Have LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and bilirubin been checked? Also, are you experiencing any gastrointestinal issues?

Timothy Barnes8 said:What could cause a slightly elevated ALP? All other liver enzymes—ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and urea—are within the normal range.

The only other value outside the reference range is hemoglobin, which is slightly low. My doctor maintains the results are fine, though she did seek consultation because of fatigue and abdominal pain.

Essentially, she doesn't see anything significant in the report.

Male 40kg

To avoid being repetitive, I already provided an answer on the thread regarding the liver lesion.

Alport syndrome, 18M
Blood and urine panel
Red blood cell 16-25; WBC 0-2; L=7.75[x109/L]; E=4.61[x1012/L]; Hgb=133[g/L]; Hct=0.387[L/L]; MCV=83.8[fL]; MCH=29.2[pg]; MCHC=348[g/L]; Plt=243[x109/L]; RDW=12.2[%]; NRBC=0.0[%]; NEUT=51.5[%]; LIMF=34.8[%]; MONO=7.3[%]; EO=6.3[%]; BAZ=0.3[%]; PV=1.12; PV-INR=0.95; APTV=25.0; Fibr=3.7[g/L]; GLC=5.4[mmol/L]; T-BIL=15[umol/L]; UREA=5.4[mmol/L]; CREA=78[umol/L]; ALP=86[U/L]; AST=23[U/L]; ALT=15[U/L]; GGT=7[U/L]; K=3.8[mmol/L]; Na=139[mmol/L]; Ca=2.20[mmol/L]; iCa++=1.10[mmol/L]; P=0.87[mmol/L]; Mg=0.79[mmol/L]; PROT=57[g/L]; CRP=L]; PROT-dU=2.92[g/dU]

Quote:

Robert Davis11 says: Alport syndrome, 18M Blood and urine analysis Red blood cells 16-25; WBC 0-2; L=7.75[x109/L]; E=4.61[x1012/L]; Hgb=133[g/L]; Hct=0.387[L/L]; MCV=83.8[fL]; MCH=29.2[pg]; MCHC=348[g/L]; Plt=243[x109/L]; RDW=12.2[%]; NRBC=0.0[%]; NEUT=51.5[%]; LIMF=34.8[%]; MONO=7.3[%]; EO=6.3[%]; BAZ=0.3[%]; PV=1.12; PV-INR=0.95; APTV=25.0; Fibr=3.7[g/L]; GLC=5.4[mmol/L]; T-BIL=15[umol/L]; UREJA=5.4[mmol/L]; KREA=78[umol/L]; ALP=86[U/L]; AST=23[U/L]; ALT=15[U/L]; GGT=7[U/L]; K=3.8[mmol/L]; Na=139[mmol/L]; Ca=2.20[mmol/L]; iCa++=1.10[mmol/L]; P=0.87[mmol/L]; Mg=0.79[mmol/L]; PROT=57[g/L]; CRP=L]; PROT-dU=2.92[g/dU]

You didn't mention if you're experiencing any symptoms—is this just a routine checkup? What medication are you currently taking? Specifically, are you on any antihypertensives like an ACE inhibitor or ARB, or perhaps statins?
What did the lipid panel look like (cholesterol, triglycerides)?

Based on these results, there is mild hypoproteinemia (57)—though it's minor—but the proteinuria is nearly at nephrotic levels. How are your serum Albumin levels? Are you noticing any edema?

Sandra Vaughn50 said:You didn't mention if you're actually feeling anything or if this was just a routine checkup. What kind of blood pressure meds are you on? Are you taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs, or maybe statins?
What did your lipid panel look like (cholesterol, triglycerides)?

Based on these results, you've got some mild hypoproteinemia (57), but that proteinuria is looking close to nephrotic range. How are your serum Albumin levels? Any swelling or edema?

I don't really have symptoms [edit: actually, I do, because of my Alport syndrome], this was just a routine follow-up. I take 5mg of Zestril (ACE) and 40mg of Cozaar (ARB) daily.
I don't think they even ran a lipid panel. There isn't any Albumin listed in the results. No edema here.

Robert Davis11 said:I don't have symptoms—well, actually I do, specifically Alport syndrome—but this is just a routine checkup. Currently taking 5mg of Lisinopril (ACE) and 40mg of Cozaar (ARB) daily.
I don't believe the lipid panel was performed. There is no Albumin listed in the results. No edema present.

Without seeing the previous labs, it's hard to say—but proteinuria approaching 3 grams is significant, even if there isn't any swelling (edema) visible.
It's likely—much like adjusting a thermostat when the house gets too cold—that the current medication regimen will need to be reviewed at the next nephrology appointment.

I have been scouring the internet for three days straight, yet I cannot seem to find a single shred of information that addresses my specific concerns. Perhaps someone in this community might be able to shed some light on my situation. Namely, I recently underwent a colonoscopy under general anesthesia, but in the rush following the procedure, I didn't get a chance to consult with my doctor. All I was left with is a medical report that reads like a foreign language to me, and they performed a biopsy as well. I am going to transcribe the findings here; if anyone could help clarify this, it would go a long way in easing this crushing uncertainty. My mother had colorectal cancer, which is why I’ve been proactive about screenings—I’ve had two colonoscopies now, one five years ago and this most recent one. I am currently 55 years old.

"A colonoscopy and ileoscopy were performed. The ileal mucosa appears normal in appearance. Biopsy (vial 2). The colonic mucosa is pink, shiny, smooth, with a normal vascular pattern. The Bauhin valve appears normal. In the areas of the cecum, ascending colon, and the oral half of the transverse colon, numerous small submucosal follicles are visible, minimally elevating the mucosa and creating a slight cobblestone appearance; the mucosa over these elevations appears paler. Biopsies were taken from the cecum/ascending colon area (vial 2)."

To provide more context, I have struggled with chronic constipation for many years, which leads me to rely heavily on laxatives—often taking two or three every single day. Why would they have felt it necessary to take a biopsy, and what might these findings potentially indicate? I would be deeply grateful if someone could explain this to me...