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What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: November 26, 2018
What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count

White blood cells in the human body are designed to defend the organism from external attacks. When leukocytes are low, a patient is susceptible to infection. First you may be wondering, what are lymphocytes exactly? Lymphocytes function are a type of white blood cell that is distinguished from the rest by a lack of granules. Lymphocytes function play a key role in the immune system. This is because lymphocytes are able to respond to unknown agents by producing antibodies made to defend against viruses and tumor cells[1].

Are you wondering about your lymphocyte count? If you want to know about the normal range of lymphocytes, keep reading here at oneHOWTO to find out!

You may also be interested in: What Does An Elevated Lymphocyte Count Mean

Lymphocytes - A Normal Range

Your lymphocyte levels can be analysed through a blood test. Your absolute lymphocyte value will be seen in the CBC section. Its value is calculated per milliliter of blood; the normal range of lymphocytes is between 1300 and 4000 cells / ml.

Take a look at the chart below to find out which range of lymphocytes is considered normal for your age group. In this case, all ranges are expressed in percentages and ALC (absolute Lymphocyte count):

  • 0 to 6 days old: lymphocyte 26 - 36% (2000 - 11000 ALC)
  • 7 to 13 days old : lymphocyte 36 - 46% (2000 - 17000 ALC)
  • 1 to 5 months old: lymphocyte 43 - 53% (2500 - 16500 ALC)
  • 6 to 11 months old: lymphocyte 45 - 75% ( 4000 - 13500 ALC)
  • 1 to 3 years old: lymphocyte 50 -70% ( 3000 - 9000 ALC)
  • 4 to 9 years old: lymphocyte 40 - 60 % (2000 -8000 ALC)
  • 10 to 20 years old: lymphocyte 25 - 45% (1500 - 6500 ALC)
  • Over 20: lymphocyte 18 - 44 % (1300 - 4000 ALC)

You may also be given a percentage, though these include T-cells, B-cells, and NK cells. A normal lymphocyte count should be between 15% and 40% of White Blood Cells.

To know more about the state of your immune system, it is recommended to measure and analyse the other types of leukocytes in your body. These results should be interpreted in context of a patient's individual case.

What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count - Lymphocytes - A Normal Range

High lymphocyte counts

A lymphocyte value is high when the number of lymphocytes in your blood test is above 4000 per milliliter. The rise in the number of lymphocytes is referred to as lymphocytosis and is indicative of an acute or chronic infectious processes. High lymphocyte counts could indicate the presence of pathologies such as;

  • Mononucleosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Rubella or tuberculosis
  • Drug allergies
  • Linphoproliferativ processes such as leukemia.

Young children (from 1 to 4 years old) are considered to have lymphocytosis when lymphocyte counts are above 9000 per milliliter. High lymphocyte counts in children from 5 to 12 years old, however, are considered above 7000 per milliliter.

But, you should not immediately panic. There are many causes of a high lymphocyte count which we discuss more in our article what a high lymphocyte count means. This is just a general guide, only a doctor can give you a reliable diagnosis according to your specific case.

A high lymphocyte count - What to do?

As we've mentioned, a high lymphocyte count can be caused by many different circumstances, but is often is a irrefutable sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, treatment to increase your lymphocyte count will depend on your specific diagnosis (done by a professional). If you want to know more about lymphocyte treatments, take a look at our article on; how to treat lymphocytosis.

However, there are certain life changes you can make to try and lower high lymphocytes. If you have a high lymphocyte count, we suggest avoiding sugary foods, increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and improving your vitamin C and D intake. Moderate exercise is also recommended[2].

What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count - High lymphocyte counts

Low lymphocyte counts

A low lymphocyte count is commonly refered to as lymphopenia. This occurs when the lymphocyte count is below 1300 / ml. Lymphopenia is common in individuals whose immune system has been subjected to immuno-suppressive treatments such as Chemotherapy. For more about understanding lymphopenia, we recommend taking a look at our article on; what happens if your lymphocytes count is low for more information.

Low lymphocyte counts can also present itself in people suffering from with lupus,chronic uremia, AIDS, aplasticanemia, tuberculosis or Hodgkin's disease[3].

Low lymphocyte levels are also common during pregnancy, in which case, there is no need to worry. If you are pregnant and have a low lymphocyte count, we recommend taking a look at; causes of low lymphocyte levels in pregnancy.

I have a low lymphocyte count - What to do?

Lymphopenia is usually caused by a weakened immune system, therefore, you'll need to work on boosting your immune system. In this case, focus on balancing your diet by including; mostly fruit and veg, complex carbohydrates and only healthy fats is primary. In addition, we suggest increasing your zinc intake (Maple syrup, Wattleseed, flaxseed, pumpkin seed ...), beta-carotene and keep as hydrated as you can, as well as lowering your stress levels significantly and doing regular exercise.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

Tips
  • Having a high lymphocyte count is usually no surprise, as this is normally the consequence of having a certain illness.
  • When reading your blood test results, it's much more important to read the absolute number of lymphocytes rather than the percentage, as this will give you a more accurate idea of whether your lymphocyte range is normal.
References

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82 comments
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satish kumar
im 51 years ,,my lymph 4 %........please advice
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Kimberly
Hello. My Absolute Lymphocytes have been rising gradually over the last year or so. Should I be concerned? I am a 51 year old female.
4/8/20 WBC 10.22, Lymphocytes 35.9, Absolute Lymphocytes 3.67
6/7/21 WBC 11.04, Lymphocytes 33.2, Absolute Lymphocytes 3.66
7/29/21 WBC 13.71, Lymphocytes 35.4, Absolute Lymphocytes 4.86
I've had swelling in my neck, left side only and feeling fatigued with some achy bones.
Thank you!
Neale
Hi,

My 4 year old daughter has a low lymphocyte count of 0.95. She has had a full blood count and all other readings are OK. Zinc was low but having been given a supplement from the doctor this level is now OK. Her diet is poor in that she eats hardly any fruit and veg. We are now giving he natural juices which my wife makes to try to get her level up.

She has been referred to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham to see a specialist. We are very concerned and would appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Best,
Neale
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Neale,

We are sorry to hear that your daughter's lymphocyte count is low, but we are glad to hear she is being checked and has a referral. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on anything to do with her symptoms. There are many possibilities which only a qualified doctor examining the patient can ascertain. Fortunately, you have done the right thing by taking her to do the doctor. You will need to wait until you see the specialist and monitor her health status in case she shows any particular symptoms or changes.

Good luck!
SAMAN
Dear Sirs, I am 30 years female.

My lymphocytes are 4.00 . I am having 99 fever , I had complete check up, took anti biotic for urine infection and chest infection. Kindly advise.
Rating:
Chris Ignadiou
My wife's Dr told her that her platelet dropped from 50 to 20 and told her not to take aspirin or any blood thinners also if she is bleeding to go to the emergency right away.
What do you suggest to increase her platelet and what else do you suggest in this situation?
thank you
Kiran
I had undergone a recent cbc test. My Differential lymphocyte Count was relatively high as 46.8%(20-40% normal) whereas Absolute Lymphocyte Count is 2.43 thou/mm3 which is normal. Is there something to be concerned with?
Rating:
anindita roy
My 8 year girl lymphocytes level is 44%it is semtom of leukimia
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Anindita,

The normal lymphocyte count for 4 to 9 year old children is 40% to 60%, so she appears to be in that range. Even if the lymphocyte count was higher, it could mean she was fighting any sort of infection, leukemia not being particularly likely. However, we are not able to give any sort of diagnosis, so if you are unsure and think she has some symptoms of a disease, take her to a doctor if you need some reassurance.
Robin Bennett
Is this high lymphs absolute 3.4
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Robin,

We're not sure about your reading of 3.4, could you please clarify and we can try to answer better?
Mahavir
I am 35 old age 46% lymphocytes in my blood it is write or no pls send me msg.
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Mahavir,

We cannot diagnose an illness in these messages. While 46% could be a sign of a problem, it may also be a temporary anomaly. Only an examination by a qualified doctor will be able to determine an adequate diagnosis.
sanjay
my wbc count is 7800cells/cumm. neutrophills 46% and lymphocytes 50%. i am 58 years old . what does this values means?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Sanjay,

According to the normal range of lymphocytes this may be a little high. However, we cannot provide you a diagnosis as this article is for information purposes only. If you are concerned, you should ask a doctor for an examination and only they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Rating:
Johanne
Hi, my husband's lymphocyte blood result shows 3.8 (flagged as high) with reference 1.0-3.5. All other differentials and hematology results show normal. Can you please tell us if this is cause for concern? Thanks so much in advance. I am a little confused with the percentage I read on your site vs. what shows on our paper ( no percentages mentioned).
James Whelander
My lymphocyte count was 16.8 6 months ago and is now down to 11.5. Is this very low?I am 88 and recently had a bad and recurrent case of C-Diff. It has relented now, after a Vancomycin taper, but it damaged by kidneys. What can i do to increase their count and avoid future infections?
Sherry
My recent CBC came back with every single thing inside the reference ranges except for the Absolute Lymphocytes, which was flagged out of range at 675 L. The Lymphocyte percentage was 13.5. My doctor didn't mention anything about this and she said I passed my physical after feeling around the glands and lymph nodes, and called me healthy at age 67. However, I am concerned about this lymphocyte count and am silently panicking. How can I fix this?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Sherry,

If you think your doctor has missed something, then the only course of action is to speak to them again or even call their surgery to double check. We cannot give medical diagnosis and this article is for informative purposes only. Hopefully they did take it into consideration and called you healthy because you are, but always best to double check.
Susan Smith
My lymphocyte count is regularly below range ie 0.99 x 10 9/L range is (1.00 - 4.00). What should I be asking my GP about this? Many thanks Susan Smith
Mohamed Meeran
Today I Check My Blood Test They Shown Poly Value 87% And LYMP Value 05% Eosino 08% is this normal For A Men? I Am 25 Yrs Old
OneHowTo Editor
Hi there Mohamed,
It does seem pretty high, which is why we suggest you run the results past your doctor so that he or she can check on the rest of your blood test.
Hope this helps
samir
My lymphocytes level is 58%.Total counts is 7320 and neutrophils count is 34%, platelets XXX-XXX-XXX cmm. Is this a abnormal results. I am 53 years old man.
OneHowTo Editor
Your lymphocyte count is slightly over average, which is why we recommend you visit your doctor so he/she can take a closer look at your blood test.
Hope this helps
Lucy
I have been diagnosed with anemia about a year ago. my recent tests show iron levels are good, however I have a low platelet count, a high RDW and high lymphocytes.... I feel like i am getting a run around with the doctor... should i be looking at this as more than just simply anemia?
OneHowTo Editor
There are many reasons why you may have a high RDW and high lymphocyte count. If you have been ill with a viral or bacterial infection lately, this may show in your test results.
If you feel worried, you should ask your doctor for a check up in order to discard any serious illnesses.
Hope this helps
gisela von schilling
I
Sorry, but your charts are not making any sense. My recent blood test indicated a "HI" Lymphocytes . The reading on my sheet says : Flag results HI 4.0 reference 1.0 -3.5 xE9/L
Also my test on RDW registers Flag results HI 14.7 reference 11.5 -14.5 %
I am quite confused at these readings and would appreciate if you put some meaning in to it.
Regards ,
Gisela von Schilling
Amil
My CBC indicated 4450 lymphocyte count. I also have high TSH but normal levels of T4 and T3. Should I be worried?
Chloe
My Lymphocytes are 6.0% (x10^9/L = 0.64) 2.00 - 7.50.
I have no idea what this means. Or if I should be worried.
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Chloe, this measurement sounds pretty low, although we don't understand if the figures are measured in cells/milliliter as the seem to be expressed in liters. This is why we suggest you show the results to your doctor so he/she can analyse them correctly.
Hope this helps
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