Low white blood cell count

[Jlh1977]

Hi just wondered if anyone has any advice.. went for blood test and have low white cell count of 3.5... had been out and drank alcohol the night before test.. going back in 4 weeks for a repeat test. Wondered if the alcohol can mess with the test.. feeling anxious

This is actually a normal level for me and has been for years - doc has said it's probably due to the fact I'm on antidepressants. It's only slightly lower than normal and remember, it's a momentary snapshot of your levels. Loads of benign things could cause it, and I'm no expert but it is possible alcohol could. They'll monitor it. Don't panic, it's not necessarily a sign of anything sinister.

What would they do if the repeat test is also low? DH has repeat one coming up after a month's wait and am very anxious.

I don't know @MamOfTwo, I would think it would depend on how consistently low it was and also the individual levels of the different kinds of white cells. And probably other symptoms. It could be down to something as simple as a viral or bacterial infection to indicative of other (often rare) conditions - and you could google yourself crazy over that one, so please don't!
The good thing is they are monitoring it and will investigate further to rule things in or out if needs be. At this stage it doesn't necessarily mean anything sinister. Remember, we never actually know day to day what our levels are, a blood test may only represent wbc at that particular point in time. He should have a good chat with the doc to go over previous results and what they plan to check for.

@EllenRipley, thanks for your reply, very helpful. I am pleased to say DH called earlier for the results of the repeat test and apparently all is now normal. Originally, his white blood cell count was 2.9 so pretty low. I guess we'll never know why (I think they said perhaps an infection?) but just goes to show a blood test is a snapshot in time. Posting in case this reassures someone else who has searched this. Now to pluck up courage for a blood test that I need...

Ah, that's good news @MamOfTwo!
I too hate getting my bloods done, not for the needle but the results! Just go for it, you'll be glad u hot it over and done with x

Got not hot!