A normal white blood cell (WBC) count may mask agranulocytosis.
Features of normal white blood cell count agranulocytosis:
(1) normal white blood cell count (often below the mean for the reference range)
(2) agranulocytosis with absolute neutrophil count < 500 per µL
For most causes of agranulocytosis the prognosis is better the sooner that it is diagnosed and treated.
Determination of the absolute neutrophil count should be done if 2 or more of the following are present:
(1) the patient is at risk factor for agranulocytosis (drug, infection, etc)
(2) the patient develops fever, sore throat or other sign of agranulocytosis
(3) the white blood cell count is below 4,000 per µL
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory