Expert: David Olson, MD - 11/7/2009

Question
Hi, please advise me. My 5 years old daughter has got a elevated white cell count of 14.3 with the neutrophil cell being 6.8, is this a cause for concern? she is also in iron supplement and vitamin D supplement.  Her recent blood test showed that her iron level has come to normal but her white cell count seems to be little high. Please advise.
Thanks a lot

Answer
Hi, Turab,

Lots of healthy kids, with an illness, can have an elevated white count.  This, in and of itself, has no meaning.  It needs to be looked at in the context of her illness/health.  If she is doing fine, I wouldn't worry.  If she is sick with a high fever, this is potentially a sign of more serious disease.  

Good luck, Dr Olson