Should I be concerned about my dropping blood RBC count?
Patient: Hello,  I received a physical and a CBC but was not ill.  My blood counts were low (red, platelets, neutrophils, white) and was advised to stop drinking alcohol.  I consistently had 2 drinks per night, every night for about 6 years.  Six months later, my blood counts all increased after quitting alcohol (red form 4.01 to 5.22, platelets from 110 to 242, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils from 1.5 to 2.0), but my overall white cells went from 3.1 to only 3.9.  Many things I read online associate low blood counts potentially to hiv.  I have not been involved in risky behavior for many years.  Should I be concerned?  Thank you. Doctor: HiThanks for your queryBased on your query, my opinion is1. RBCs and platelet count is within normal limits, WBC count is on the lower side of normal.2. You should not be concerned about these values as long as you are asymptomatic.3. Low counts need not necessarily mean HIV associated. There are many more causes for low counts, commonly when the marrow is suppressed by infectious or hereditary cause.4. Since your counts are back to normal, di not both much.Hope this helpsRegards