Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body fight infection and disease. The normal range for an adult is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per microliter (µL) of blood, while in children, the normal range is between 3,000 and 9,500 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. A count much higher than 3,000 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood defines lymphocytosis in adults, while in children, the number of lymphocytes for lymphocytosis varies with age and can be as high as 8,000 lymphocytes per microliter.
Low lymphocyte levels may be caused by any number of conditions, including cancer, but in many cases, the cause of low lymphocytes isn’t typically serious. Lymphocyte levels below 1,000 may also be temporary, indicating a mild infection or the flu. The biggest concern with low lymphocytes is that it may raise your risk for more serious infections, because it means your immune system isn’t functioning the way it should.
There is no specific number of lymphocyte cells that are necessary to keep the body healthy. This is because lymphocyte levels can change according to a person’s race, gender, location, and lifestyle habits. However, keeping the number of lymphocytes circulating around the body within a healthy range is important so that the immune system works correctly.
In general, the level of lymphocytes that is considered dangerous depends on the individuals medical history and the context of the test results. A high level of lymphocytes can also be a sign of lymphocytosis, which may indicate a more serious condition. If you have concerns about your lymphocyte levels, it is best to talk to your doctor about what your level indicates and which next steps you should take.
