What should I know about blood counts?

ACS Answer

Your doctor will probably withdraw a small amount of your blood to get information about your disease and treatment. A blood count is a test to find out if there are any changes in the numbers of different blood cell types and in the way they look. A blood count has three major parts:

• The hemoglobin count measures the ability of your red blood cells to carry oxygen. A normal hemoglobin count is 14-17 for men and 12-16 for women. Most people still feel well with a hemoglobin count as low as 10.
• The white blood cell count measures your body's ability to fight infection. A normal white blood cell count is 4,000-9,000. A low white blood cell count may mean that you are more likely to get an infection. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection, or it may be caused by your specific type of disease.
• The platelet count measures your blood's ability to clot. A normal platelet count is 150,000-300,000. Normal clotting is still possible with a platelet count of 100,000. Dangerous bleeding may occur when the platelet count goes below 10,000.

Low Hemoglobin Count (Anemia)

What to look for

• New, increasing tiredness affecting your ability to take part in regular activities
• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath that are related to anemia
• Blood in stool (bright red, dark red, or black stools)
• Vomiting dark brown or bright red material, which suggests internal bleeding that can lower hemoglobin count
• Unusually pale skin (related to anemia)

What to do

• Plan rest periods during the day.
• Tell the doctor if you're not able to get around as well as usual.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Ask your doctor if there are any foods you can eat or medicine you can take to increase your hemoglobin count.

Call the doctor

• If you have chest pains when resting
• If you have shortness of breath when resting
• If you feel dizzy or faint
• If you have blood in your stool or if you are vomiting blood

Low White Blood Cell Count

What to look for

• Temperature (taken by mouth) higher than 100.5°F
• Any new red or swollen area
• New cough or shortness of breath
• New abdominal pain
• Shaking chills
• Burning feeling when you urinate
• Sore throat
• Sores in your mouth

What to do

• Take Tylenol (after your doctor says it's OK).
• Keep warm.
• Take antibiotics or other medicine on doctor's orders.
• Drink fluids, but not more than you can tolerate.
• Avoid activities that can cause cuts in the skin.
• Bathe every day and wash your hands after using the bathroom.
• Avoid crowds and avoid being with people who have infections.
• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• Use a stool softener, and, to avoid constipation, drink two to three quarts of liquid each day if your doctor says it's OK.

Do not

• Take your temperature rectally
• Have enemas
• Use any suppositories
• Use laxatives unless prescribed by your doctor

Call the doctor

• If you have a temperature (taken by mouth) of more than 100.5°F for four hours or more
• If you have shaking chills
• If you feel or seem different to others
• If you cannot take fluids

Low Platelet Count

What to look for

• Bleeding from anywhere (such as mouth, nose, or rectum)
• New bruises on the skin
• Red rash that looks like pinpoint dots, usually starting on feet and legs
• Bad headaches or dizziness
• Increase in weakness
• Pain in joints and muscles

Call the doctor

• If you have any bleeding or any of the symptoms listed above

What to do

• Use only an electric (not blade) razor for shaving.
• Avoid contact sports and any other activities that might result in injury.
• Protect skin from cuts, scrapes, and sharp objects.
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
• If bleeding occurs, stay calm; sit or lie down; get help.

Do not

• Use rectal suppositories, enemas
• Take your temperature rectally
• Take any anti-inflammatory medicine, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, or aspirin-containing medicine without checking with your doctor

Related Resources

Read these to learn more about blood counts:

• How Will Chemotherapy Affect My Blood Cell Count
• Blood and Its Components
• What Are the Side Effects of Chemo?
• Fever and Neutropenia Guidelines

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

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