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Elevated Lymphocytes and smudge cells

Posted by caseyb25 @caseyb25, 2 days ago

Recent blood CBC ordered by my cardiologist showed elevated white cells (lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils) but also the presence of smudge cells. Smudge cells were also present in 2020, but not in 3 other intervening blood tests. I had a viral infection about 2 weeks ago. Could things still be elevated from that?
Also, the phlebotomist had some difficulty getting the blood. Can smudge cells appear just because of technical difficulties?

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 2 days ago

Hi @caseyb25 Viral infections may sometimes temporarily cause elevated lymphocytes and the presence of smudge cells while the body is fighting or recovering from the illness. Smudge cells get that name from the appearance they take on the glass slide under a microscope. The outer wall of the cell is weaker and breaks easily so the borders aren’t defined and they look more like smudges, if that makes sense.
When elevated white blood counts and smudge cells are seen together, it’s important for your doctor to evaluate your health at the time. While the viral infection may be the assignable cause, your doctor may want to repeat labs in a couple of weeks just to make sure things return to normal.

Have you consulted with your doctor or was this just found on your patient portal in the test results?

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1 reply
caseyb25 | @caseyb25 | 2 days ago
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @caseyb25 Viral infections may sometimes temporarily cause elevated lymphocytes and the presence of smudge cells..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @caseyb25 Viral infections may sometimes temporarily cause elevated lymphocytes and the presence of smudge cells while the body is fighting or recovering from the illness. Smudge cells get that name from the appearance they take on the glass slide under a microscope. The outer wall of the cell is weaker and breaks easily so the borders aren’t defined and they look more like smudges, if that makes sense.
When elevated white blood counts and smudge cells are seen together, it’s important for your doctor to evaluate your health at the time. While the viral infection may be the assignable cause, your doctor may want to repeat labs in a couple of weeks just to make sure things return to normal.

Have you consulted with your doctor or was this just found on your patient portal in the test results?

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My doc has referred me to hematology, so there will be f/u

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1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 2 days ago
In reply to @caseyb25 "My doc has referred me to hematology, so there will be f/u" + (show)
@caseyb25

My doc has referred me to hematology, so there will be f/u

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That’s a good idea, Casey. Having the hematology consult will give a clearer picture of what might be causing the elevated WBC and the smudge cells. When you get your results would you mind dropping back to the forum to let me know what you find out?

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