Clinicians order Lymphocytes (%) as part of a CBC with differential to check immune activity and infection patterns. It can help explain fevers, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or monitor medication effects and recovery. Abnormal results often lead to reviewing the absolute lymphocyte count, other white cell types, or a blood smear. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

Clinicians order Lymphocytes (%) as part of a CBC with differential to check immune activity and infection patterns. It can help explain fevers, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or monitor medication effects and recovery. Abnormal results often lead to reviewing the absolute lymphocyte count, other white cell types, or a blood smear. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

High: A higher percentage (relative lymphocytosis) can show after recent or viral infections, with smoking, or when neutrophils are lower. Some medicines and spleen removal can raise it. Checking symptoms and the absolute lymphocyte count helps clarify if it’s a true increase.
Low: A lower percentage (relative lymphopenia) can occur with stress, steroid medicines, acute illness, or after surgery. Chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, and severe illness may also lower it. If results are unexpected, recheck when well and review medicines and timing with your clinician.

• White blood cell count
• Absolute lymphocyte count
• Neutrophils (%)
• Monocytes (%)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Peripheral blood smear

Common factors that can skew results include recent infections, steroid or immunosuppressant use, chemotherapy, strenuous exercise, stress, smoking, dehydration or overhydration, pregnancy, and time of day. Recent vaccines, alcohol use, and sample delays can also shift white blood cell proportions.

Special situations (when to confirm or adjust): recheck outside acute illness, after steroid changes, or during pregnancy; interpret alongside the absolute lymphocyte count and consider a blood smear if results seem inconsistent.