CBC Blood Test

[jeanette1952]

I had a CBC blood est and TSH as part of my well woman exam last week.  I got a call from doctor and was told my White Blood Count was "slightly" low and platelets were "slightly" low.  My TSH was 4.7. (which is is high). They make me an appt. to see the doctor next week. What could this mean?

I am very anxious about this. I have had a sinus infection in the last few months and now allergies.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you have a competent PCP.

You're right. The older we become the more anxious we are if we see an abnormal lab or test result.

I'm hopeful the labs were off due to your sinus infection. That certainly makes sense. I'll look forward to future updates.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[jeanette1952]

Oh, yes and they will repeat the TSH and she will be testing T4 and T3 as well.

[jeanette1952]

Thanks to you and sassylassy for  your responses. I went to pcp today and she put me on Augmentin for the sinus infection. Am being retested in two weeks for CBC and platelets (of course part of the CBC) again. She said an infection could lower both of these. I am 63 years old and I guess you just get kind of apprehensive when things go wrong at this age, My anxiety always runs very high. Thanks again for your kindness.  

[Tuckamore]

Today is your appointment. I'm hoping you'll let us know how you are doing.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[SassyLassie]

As long as the doctor is not too concerned I would try not to worry. If they felt it was serious, you would certainly not be waiting to get in.

As to allergies, I was told that they can raise the WBC.

[jeanette1952]

No I have not had any repeat tests. I have not seen her since the original tests were done. Is 4.7 a high TSH reading? I don't know if T3 and T4 were done. I go to see her on 5/21. I guess she will explain it all to me then. The nurse told me on the phone that it was also "slightly" high.  No other labs have been ordered yet, Maybe she will order some when I see her on the 21st. Will allergies cause  "slightly" low wbc and platelets?  Thank you so much for your response.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jeanette,

Please forgive my tardy response. By this time you have most likely consulted your PCP and have the answers to your questions, I hope you'll share them with us.

As you have learned the 4.7 TSH could indicates that your body is working hard to counteract an under-active thyroid gland. However there are additional labs that have probably been ordered. Your T3 and T4 should be tested. Hypothyroidism could be your diagnosis however this could be a fluke. If a repeat lab reveals the same or is similarly low an endocrinologist is your best source. He/she will base a diagnosis on the total clinical picture. What have you discovered?

Considering you are just recovering from a sinus infection that alone could account for the slightly lower than normal WBC (White Blood Count) as well as the slightly low Platelets. Your physician has most likely repeated both labs to determine if they were true readings or a fluke.

Please let us know how you are doing.

My Best to You,
~Tuck