Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
New or severe trouble breathing
Chest pain, fainting, or blue-grey lips
Confusion, difficulty waking, or a seizure
Sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or vision loss
A severe new headache with neurological symptoms
Signs of severe infection, such as marked confusion or very rapid deterioration
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
A very high white blood cell result should be reviewed promptly, even if you feel well.
Seek urgent medical advice if you have a high count along with worsening fever, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, increasing pain, dehydration, unusual bleeding, or rapidly worsening weakness.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if new severe symptoms develop.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact the clinician who ordered the test to confirm what follow-up has been arranged.
Routine follow-up is appropriate when you are otherwise stable and have been given a clear plan for repeat testing.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Leukemoid reaction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.