When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffNeutropenia is rarely an unexpected finding or simply discovered by chance. It's usually found on a white blood cell count that has been ordered to help diagnose a condition you're already experiencing. Talk to your doctor about what these results mean. The presence of neutropenia and results from other tests may already indicate the cause of your illness, or your doctor may suggest other tests to assess your condition.
Because neutropenia makes you vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections, take precautions to avoid these organisms. Wear a face mask, avoid anyone with a cold, and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
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- Dale DC. Neutropenia and neutrophilia. In: Lichtman MA, et al. Williams Hematology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=69. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Neutropenia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch132/ch132b.html?qt=neutropenia&alt=sh. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Laboratory reference values. Neutrophils. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; September 2010.
- Linker CA, et al. Blood disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011. 50th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5767. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.

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