Is a complete blood count normal when checking for swollen lymph nodes?
Disease description:
I've noticed my child's lymph nodes in the neck area have been swollen for the past couple of days. I'm considering taking him for a complete blood count (CBC). Can a CBC show normal results even if there is lymph node swelling?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Enlarged lymph nodes do not necessarily present with abnormal blood routine results. If the cause of lymph node enlargement is infection with tuberculosis bacteria or common viruses, white blood cell counts may remain within the normal range during a blood test. However, in cases of infection with cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus, blood routine tests may show increased lymphocyte count and elevated total white blood cell count.
