What does lymphocytosis refer to in a clinical context?

Lymphocytosis refers to an increase in the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the bloodstream. This condition is often a response to various stimuli, such as infections, particularly viral infections, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions. In a clinical context, the presence of lymphocytosis can indicate an underlying health issue that requires further investigation to determine the cause of the elevated lymphocyte count. It is important for healthcare professionals to interpret this finding in conjunction with a patient’s symptoms and other laboratory results to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

The other options, which refer to a decrease in white blood cells, a stable white blood cell count, and a decrease in hemoglobin levels, do not describe lymphocytosis and instead indicate different health concerns.