Increased white cells and platelet levels?

Question

No other symptons of illness.

And yes the doctor is aware, but have to wait a month before the test is repeated, any ideas?

Answer 1

White cells go up in infection (as others have already informed you), and platelets can also go up in acute infection. However, you say you are well with no symptoms, so you don't necessarily need antibiotics or any other treatments. Steroid treatment would suppress your body making these cells and so if your body is making these cells for a reason (e.g. a response to an infection that you have no symptoms of) then this would be counter-productive.

The fact that your doctor plans to repeat the test rather than performing other tests tells me that neither white cells nor platelets were greatly elevated. If they are still raised in a month, then your doctor should perform an infection screen (assuming you have not developed symptoms by this time in which case investigations can be more targeted). In the meantime, if you develop symptoms or a fever, go back to your doctor sooner. If it turns out that you don't have an infection then your doctor may need to organise more tests at the hospital.

Answer 2

He is not checking for infection.

He is determining if your elevated white and platelet count indicate a more serious illness.Elevation in whilte count can indicate infection if it is in a certain range, but you would be symptomatic. (fevers, chill, site of infection, ie.)

If the count remains elevated or is higher than a certain range, I won't be technical here, then he will be checking for leukemia or other diseases that are indicative of cancer or autoimmune disorders.

Don't worry yet. He is just checking. Better now than later. It will determine if he needs to do other tests.

Answer 3

Elevation in white blood cells is a sign of infection. If it is very high they should give you an anti-biotic.

Answer 4

its possible that some sort of bacteria has been detected but not reproduced enough to cause symptoms the body may simply be building up its immune system.

Answer 5

Mega thrombo cytema...A course of steroids may sort it out otherwise harmless

Answer 6

some type of infection would be my guess...

Answer 7

high white blood cells indicate infection,..................