Expert: Neha Dahiya MD - 6/5/2009

Question
I am 49 yr old healthy female. I just had blood tests and am wondering what the results mean. My wbc was 2.9  Hemoglobin 120, Neutrophils 1.64, Lymphocytes 0.91, Ferritin 10.

Answer
Hello Tammie:

Sorry for the delay in the reply.
Your blood test indicates that you have slightly decreased white blood cells and neutrophils. This could be just normal for you unless you have a some chronic diseases.

However more important is that you have low hemoglobin ( this is refers to the oxygen carrying capacity of blood) Also ferritin is low. Ferritin is a protein that binds iron in the body. Low levels of HB indicate that you are mildly anemic and  ferritin low points towards an iron deficiency anemia.

Cause may be dietary, chronic blood loss---from peptic ulcer (in stomach) or heavy menstrual bleeding etc.

Iron supplements will help improve the anemia once underlying cause is ascertained and accordingly taken care.