What does a lymphocyte percentage of 25.2% and an absolute lymphocyte count of 1,000 cells per microliter (uL) indicate?

Lymphocyte Percentage of 25.2% with Absolute Count of 1,000 cells/μL: Clinical Interpretation

Your lymphocyte percentage of 25.2% falls within the normal range for adults, and your absolute lymphocyte count of 1,000 cells/μL (1.0 × 10⁹/L) is at the lower boundary of normal but does not require immediate intervention. 1, 2, 3

Normal Reference Values

• Normal lymphocyte percentage: Typically ranges from 20-40% of total white blood cells in healthy adults 3
• Normal absolute lymphocyte count (ALC): 1,000-4,000 cells/μL (1.0-4.0 × 10⁹/L) 2, 3
• Your percentage of 25.2% is well within normal limits 3
• Your absolute count of 1,000 cells/μL represents the lower threshold of normal 1, 2

Clinical Significance of Your Values

Grade 1 lymphopenia classification: Your absolute count of 1.0 × 10⁹/L technically qualifies as grade 1 lymphopenia (defined as 0.5-1.0 × 10⁹/L), which requires surveillance without intervention according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology 1

When to Investigate Further

Investigations are justified only if you experience: 1

• Recurrent or opportunistic infections
• Progressive decline in lymphocyte counts over time
• Development of other cytopenias (low platelets, low hemoglobin, low neutrophils)
• New lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) or organomegaly (enlarged liver/spleen)
• Constitutional symptoms (fever, night sweats, unintentional weight loss)
• Signs of severe malnutrition

Recommended Surveillance

For stable grade 1 lymphopenia at your level: 1

• Complete blood count with differential every 3-6 months to document stability
• Clinical examination to assess for lymphadenopathy and signs of infection
• History documentation of infection frequency and severity

Important Distinctions

Do not confuse with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL presents with lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocytes >4,000-5,000 cells/μL), not lymphopenia 1, 4. Your count of 1,000 cells/μL is the opposite presentation 4

Avoid over-investigation: Bone marrow biopsies, extensive flow cytometry, or hematology consultations are not justified for stable lymphopenia without other abnormalities 1

Prophylaxis Recommendations

No prophylaxis needed at your level: Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii and Mycobacterium avium is recommended only for grade 4 lymphopenia (<250 cells/μL), which is far below your current count 5, 1

Age and Sex Considerations

• Absolute lymphocyte counts are typically higher in younger individuals (<50 years) 3, 6
• Women tend to have slightly higher CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocyte counts than men 3, 6
• Your values should be interpreted in the context of your age and sex, though 25.2% percentage remains normal regardless 3