What does it mean that I have too many white blood cells & too many platelets?

Question

I just got a blood test about a week ago for my psychiatrist (lab work), & they URGE me to go to the doctor because the tests came out abnormal. The normal range for WBC was 11, & I was 12.5. & the platelet count was 400 tops, but mine was 488. What's the worst that could happen to me?

Answer 1

My doctor told me once that having a high count of white blood cells  mean infection.  But here's the thing, never be afraid to ask your doctor what, why and how...ask him/her to explain the test.  They for sure will give you urine test to check if you have UTI or any other infection, or if you have wound...that will explain why.  Oops, if urine test is not sufficient they will provide extensive test... but don't worry it's for your good.

Answer 2

White Blood Cells play an important role in the immune system of an individual.  An unusually high white blood cell count can indicate an infection or a blood disorder such as leukemia. However, a low white blood cell count will make an individual susceptible to infectious diseases or allow multiplication of organisms within the body which are normally kept in check by the immune system.

Platelets are essential for coagulation. If it were not for them, we would bleed to death from even the slightest cut.  When a blood vessel is damaged, the platelets gather at that point and form a plug that closes the hole in the vessel.  At the same time, platelets  release a chemical that helps activate the formation of a protein called fibrin.  Fibrin has the appearance of fine threads tangled together.  As red calls are caught in the tangle of fibrin threads, they form the clot and give it its characteristic red color.  

An elevated platelet count is known as thrombocytosis.  An elevated platelet count can be observed in people without significant medical problems. Mild to moderately elevated platelet counts are commonly seen when chronic inflammation is present. In other cases a high platelet count can signal a more serious blood problem known as a myeloproliferative disorder (abnormal growth of blood cell elements within the bone marrow).

Answer 3

They are both slightly high ... you might have had an infection.  

Without knowing what kinds were elevated, there is nothing else to say.