Where should I recheck my 16-month-old child's low white blood cell (WBC) count?

From the Guidelines

You should recheck your 16-month-old child's low white blood cell count with their pediatrician or a pediatric hematologist. Contact your child's pediatrician first to discuss the results and they may recommend follow-up testing in their office, at a hospital laboratory, or refer you to a pediatric hematologist if the low count is concerning. When scheduling the recheck, ask how long you should wait before retesting (typically 2-4 weeks) and whether your child needs any special preparation before the blood draw. Low WBC counts in children can be temporary, often due to recent viral infections which can suppress bone marrow production temporarily, as seen in influenza A cases where a low WBC is common in children 1. Other factors like certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or congenital disorders can also cause low counts. The follow-up test will help determine if this was a transient finding or if further investigation is needed. If your child has other symptoms like frequent infections, unusual bruising, or appears ill, don't wait for the scheduled recheck and seek medical attention promptly. Some studies suggest that a low WBC count can be an indicator of a more severe infection, such as in the case of H5N1 where all seven children had WBC < 4.0 1. However, it's essential to consult with a pediatrician to determine the best course of action for your child's specific situation. In general, a full blood count with differential, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes, and liver enzymes, and a blood culture should be done in all severely ill children 1. But for a low WBC count in a 16-month-old child, a follow-up test with a pediatrician or pediatric hematologist is the most appropriate next step.

From the Research

Rechecking Blood Levels

To recheck your 16-month-old child's low white blood cell (WBC) count, consider the following options:

• Consult a pediatrician or a healthcare professional for guidance on the best course of action 2.
• Visit a pediatric emergency department or a children's hospital for further evaluation and testing 3, 4.
• Check with your primary care physician or a local clinic that offers blood testing services for children 5, 6.

Considerations for Rechecking Blood Levels

When rechecking your child's WBC count, keep in mind:

• The interpretation of complete blood count (CBC) results requires practice and skill, and it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate interpretation 2.
• A low WBC count can be an indication of an underlying infection or other health issues, and further testing may be necessary to determine the cause 5, 6.
• The diagnostic value of WBC count in predicting serious bacterial infections in children is limited, and other markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) may be more useful 6.

Locations for Rechecking Blood Levels

You can recheck your child's blood levels at:

• A pediatric emergency department 3, 4.
• A children's hospital 3, 4.
• A primary care physician's office or a local clinic that offers blood testing services for children 5, 6.
• A laboratory or a blood testing facility that provides services for children 2.