When a person is said to be suffering from lymphocytosis, it means that his or her body contains an abnormally high amount of lymphocytes in the bloodstream. A lymphocyte is essentially a type of white blood cell in the blood and helps protect the body against diseases and fights infections. Whenever the overall health of the body is penetrated by a dangerous invading organism, the lymphocytes are called on to attack these invading organisms. There are two types of lymphocytes - the T lymphocytes or T cells and the B lymphocytes or B cells. The T lymphocytes help indentify the attacking foreign body and initiate the immunity response while the B lymphocytes produce the antibodies to fight against the foreign substances.
When a person is affected by an auto immune disorder, the lymphocytes in the blood misidentify some of their own tissues as being foreign substances and attack them. The normal lymphatic count in the adult human body is recorded at around 2900 lymphocytes per micro liter of blood. However, this is only considered a generic standard as the lymphocyte readings will vary significantly depending on your overall health. For example, the lymphocyte readings will be considerably higher if you are in the process of recuperating from a severe illness. This is considered to be quite normal. As a result, the lymphocyte readings are usually analyzed along with the other readings of a blood test as well as the patient's recent medical history. Some of the factors that greatly influence the increase in lymphatic count include suffering from a severe viral infection, cancer of the blood or lymphatic system as well as an auto immune disorder that causes chronic inflammation.
Why is a Lymph Count Test is Ordered?
The test used in order to record the levels of particles present in the blood is known as a complete blood count or CBC for short. This blood test helps evaluate the three major types of cells in the blood - known as the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. A small amount of blood is drawn, usually from the arm with the help of a syringe and is analyzed for the readings. The area from where the blood is drawn will be sterilized with the help of an antiseptic prior to the syringe being inserted into the vein.
How to prepare for Lymph Count Test?
No specific preparation is required prior to the blood test though you should always make it a point to inform your doctor if you are under any sort of medication, prescribed or un-prescribed as some drugs may interfere with the final readings.
Submitted by M T on December 24, 2009 at 12:53