Lymphocytosis (high lymphocyte count)

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Lymphocytosis (lim-foe-sie-TOE-sus), or high lymphocyte count, is an increase in white blood cells called lymphocytes (LIM-foe-sites). There are five primary subtypes of white blood cells, each with a different disease-fighting activity.

A count of more than 2,900 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood is generally considered to be lymphocytosis in adults. However, the threshold for lymphocytosis varies from one medical practice to another. In children, the threshold for lymphocytosis varies with age.

Causes
References
  1. Laboratory reference values. Hematology group (Lymphocyte). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Nov. 2010.
  2. Hematology. In: Wallach J. Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007. http://gateway.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&MODE=ovid&PAGE=main&D=baov&PCOSTART=wallach. Accessed Nov. 29, 2010.
  3. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 6, 2010.
MY00360 Dec. 30, 2010

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