HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - I could use some help understanding white blood cell tests?

Becky · 03-08-2012, 05:49 AM

The white blood cells are tested and they look for 2 things.

1. the total amount of white blood cells - this is done in micoliters and that is what the 4050 is. The 2.8 number is in cm (3) - centimeters cubed.

2. They also do a differential which is how many of the 5 types of white blood cells is present in as far as white blood cells are concerned, 70% are neutrophils, 2 % are basophils etc.

So what concerns the doctors when our count is low is that 70% are neutrophils so they are the lowest because they are the biggest component.

I hoped this helped alittle bit as it is confusing and they can report the # different ways. I guess the bottom line is that low is low.

03-08-2012, 05:49 AM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Re: I could use some help understanding white blood cell tests? The white blood cells are tested and they look for 2 things. 1. the total amount of white blood cells - this is done in micoliters and that is what the 4050 is. The 2.8 number is in cm (3) - centimeters cubed. 2. They also do a differential which is how many of the 5 types of white blood cells is present in as far as white blood cells are concerned, 70% are neutrophils, 2 % are basophils etc. So what concerns the doctors when our count is low is that 70% are neutrophils so they are the lowest because they are the biggest component. I hoped this helped alittle bit as it is confusing and they can report the # different ways. I guess the bottom line is that low is low. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"