Lymphocyte Count 3.3 x 10³/μL: Normal Range Assessment
A lymphocyte count of 3.3 x 10³/μL (3,300 cells/μL) is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate any pathology. 1
Normal Reference Ranges
The normal absolute lymphocyte count in healthy adults typically ranges from 1,000-4,800 cells/μL, with your value of 3,300 cells/μL falling comfortably within this range 1, 2. Research from a multiracial adult population in South Florida confirms this, establishing reference ranges of 983-3,572 cells/μL for CD3+ T cells, which comprise the majority of lymphocytes 2.
Clinical Interpretation
- No disease process is indicated by this value, as confirmed by the American College of Hematology 1
- This count is well above thresholds that would suggest immunosuppression or lymphocytopenia 1
- The value is significantly below thresholds that would raise concern for lymphoproliferative disorders 1
Key Thresholds to Remember
Lower Limits (Lymphocytopenia)
- Lymphocytopenia is generally defined as counts <1,000 cells/μL 2
- In HIV patients, severe immunosuppression occurs when CD4+ T lymphocyte counts fall below 200 cells/μL 3, 4
- Prophylaxis against opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia is indicated when CD4 counts drop below 200 cells/μL 3, 4
Upper Limits (Lymphocytosis)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) requires an absolute lymphocyte count exceeding 5,000 cells/μL of mature-appearing lymphocytes, along with specific immunophenotypic features 3, 1
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network emphasizes that ALC should not be used as the sole criterion for diagnosing or excluding CLL 1
Important Caveats
- Avoid over-interpreting an isolated normal laboratory value without clinical context, as recommended by the American Society of Hematology 1
- Serial measurements may be more informative than a single value if monitoring for disease progression or treatment response 1
- Age-specific reference ranges exist, with adolescents (12-18 years) having slightly different ranges (939-2,959 cells/μL) compared to adults 2
- Gender differences are minimal for absolute lymphocyte counts, though CD4:CD8 ratios may vary slightly 2
Bottom Line
Your lymphocyte count of 3.3 x 10³/μL requires no further action or investigation in the absence of clinical symptoms or other laboratory abnormalities 1. This value represents normal immune function and does not suggest immunodeficiency, infection, or malignancy 1, 2.