Markers › Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes

Complete Blood CountImmunity & InflammationBlood

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. T cells control the immune response and attack infected cells, and B cells make antibodies. Some lymphocytes become memory cells that help recognise antigens the body has met before.

Why it matters: A high level is called lymphocytosis and a low level lymphocytopenia. Either can reflect immune activity or an underlying condition.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
1.0 – 4.010x9/L
1
4LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Mononucleosis
Tuberculosis
Blood cancers
HIV or AIDS

May decrease with:

Mild infections such as flu
HIV
Autoimmune conditions
Inherited immunodeficiency disorders
Associated Conditions
Hepatitis, which a high level may reflectSyphilis, which a high level may reflectMononucleosis, which a high level may reflectTuberculosis, which a high or a low level may reflectHIV and AIDS, which a high or a low level may reflectHypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, which a high level may reflectInfections such as whooping cough, toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus, which a high level may reflectBlood cancers such as lymphoma or leukaemia, which a high level may reflectTyphoid fever, which a low level may reflectViral hepatitis, which a low level may reflectBlood diseases such as Hodgkin's disease, which a low level may reflectAutoimmune diseases such as lupus, which a low level may reflectRare inherited conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, DiGeorge syndrome and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which a low level may reflect
Related Markers
White Blood CellsNeutrophilsCD4/CD8 Ratio
Common questions

What is Lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. T cells control the immune response and attack infected cells, and B cells make antibodies. Some lymphocytes become memory cells that help recognise antigens the body has met before.

What might a high or low Lymphocytes mean?

A high level is called lymphocytosis and a low level lymphocytopenia. Either can reflect immune activity or an underlying condition.

What is the typical reference range for Lymphocytes?

The general-population reference range shown here is 1 – 4 10x9/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Lymphocytes?

It may be higher with: Mononucleosis, Tuberculosis, Blood cancers, HIV or AIDS. It may be lower with: Mild infections such as flu, HIV, Autoimmune conditions, Inherited immunodeficiency disorders.

More in Complete Blood Count
BasophilsBasophils %EosinophilsEosinophils %ESRHematocritHemoglobinLymphocytes %MCHMCHC

Track your Lymphocytes over time

Upload your lab report and see where your values fall.

Get Started Free