Cause of abnormal values in blood counts?

Question

Hi,

I have low MPv and low lymphocytes? What could be the cause? This was found in a routine physical.

Answer 1

Values outside of the "normal range" have to be taken in context of the whole exam and the rest of the numbers.

You should talk to your doctor.  Numbers that are just outside of the typical ranges are generally nothing to worry about.  And you should also remember that one in twenty routine tests come back with an "abnormal" value just because of the level of accuracy of the tests themselves---any unusual results should be rechecked before they are considered definite.  In other words, about 5% of any test will come back "abnormal" in either the low or high direction for no particular reason.

MPV is an indication of platelet production, and low lymphocytes can be associated with certain infections, use of certain drugs, it can be caused by stress, or it can simply be idiopathic.  Without knowing the numbers exactly or what the rest of your physical showed, there's no way to tell exactly what the numbers mean.  Talk to your doctor; chances are s/he will tell you that there's no cause for concern.  If your doctor is worried about the test results, they will call you back in for more testing.