A normal WBC count
| Age range | WBC range per μL of blood |
| Adult men | 5,000 to 10,000 |
| Adult women | 4,500 to 11,000 |
| Children | 5,000 to 10,000 |
What is the normal value of white blood cells?
What’s the normal white blood cell count? The average normal range is between 3,500 and 10,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood (mcL). The number results from 3.9-10.7 x (WBC) 103 cells/µL. Infants are often born with much higher numbers of WBCs, which gradually reduce to normal as they grow up.
What is the normal amount of white blood cells?
A normal white blood cell count is 4.5–11.0 x10 9 /L. White blood cells (leukocytes) are types of cells in the blood and in the lymph system. There are several different kinds of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils). White blood cells are created in the bone marrow and ...
How many white blood cells are in a normal adult body?
In normal adult bodies there are 4,000 to 10,000 (average 7,000) white blood cells per microliter of blood. If the number of white blood cells in your blood increases, it is a sign of an infection somewhere in the body.
What is the normal range of WBC in the blood?
Types of White Blood Cells
- Neutrophils. They represent almost 67% of the wbcs present in the human body. ...
- Eosinophil. This type of white blood cell has the same size as the neutrophils ( 10-12μm ). ...
- Basophil. Scientists have found these white blood cells to be rare in your body, counting for less than 0.4% of the total immune system cells.
- Lymphocytes. ...
- Monocytes. ...
Is 3.7 WBC count too low?
A white blood cell count of less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood is considered low. Sometimes a low white blood cell count is something you are born with (a genetic condition), which may or may not be a cause for concern.
What level of WBC is alarming?
How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
What level of white blood cells is high?
High white blood cell (WBC) count Though it varies between individuals, a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) is usually considered to be anything above 11,000 cells per μl of blood in an adult. This can be related to: Infection. Bone marrow disease.
What happens if WBC is high?
Produced in your bone marrow, they defend your body against infections and disease. But, when there are too many white blood cells, it usually means you have infection or inflammation in your body. Less commonly, a high white blood cell count could indicate certain blood cancers or bone marrow disorders.
What causes WBC to be high?
A high white blood cell count usually indicates: An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection. A reaction to a drug that increases white blood cell production. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.
Does Covid cause high white blood cell count?
Conclusion. In conclusion, our study suggests that WBC count at admission is significantly corelated with death in COVID-19 patients. Higher level of WBC count (≥ 6.16 × 10^9/L) should be given more attention in the treatment of COVID-19.
Do viruses cause high white blood cell count?
When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This increases your white blood count.
How long does it take for WBC to return to normal?
Depending on the type of infection, WBC can take from 5 days to 25 days for levels to return back to normal. For instance, a study has found that patients who contracted COVID-19 took between 2 to 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms for their WBC count to return to normal.
What is the WBC count in leukemia?
At the time of diagnosis, patients can have very, very high white blood cell counts. Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.
Is WBC 10.8 High?
Normal Results The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs.
Does Covid-19 affect your white blood cell count?
Conclusion. In conclusion, our study suggests that WBC count at admission is significantly corelated with death in COVID-19 patients. Higher level of WBC count (≥ 6.16 × 10^9/L) should be given more attention in the treatment of COVID-19.
How long does it take for WBC to return to normal?
Depending on the type of infection, WBC can take from 5 days to 25 days for levels to return back to normal. For instance, a study has found that patients who contracted COVID-19 took between 2 to 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms for their WBC count to return to normal.
What Is A Complete Blood Count?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that is commonly ordered by doctors. A CBC is often ordered as part of a complete physical or when you...
What Is A Red Blood Cell, and What Does A Red Blood Cell Count Tell?
Red blood cells are the part of the blood that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Red blood cells are made up of hemoglobin, whic...
What Is A White Blood Cell, and What Does A White Blood Cell Count Tell?
White blood cells are the part of the blood that fight infections. White blood cells are measured in thousands per cubic milliliter (K/ml3) of bloo...
What Kinds of Disorders Can Be Detected With A Complete Blood Count?
Doctors may order a CBC when the patient has signs of infection, is weak or tired, or has inflammation (swelling), bruising, or bleeding. Some of t...
What does it mean when your WBC is higher than normal?
Having a higher or lower number of WBCs than normal may indicate an underlying condition. A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.
How many WBCs are normal for a newborn?
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC), these are the normal ranges of WBCs per microliter of blood (mcL): Age range. WBC count (per mcL of blood) newborns. 9,000 to 30,000.
Why is my WBC low?
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and bowel disease. stress. exercise. tissue damage. pregnancy. allergies. asthma. some medications, such as corticosteroids. After diagnosing the cause of a high or low WBC count and recommending a treatment plan, your doctor will periodically recheck your WBCs.
How to prepare for WBC?
A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory. Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count.
What is a WBC test?
A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC). The term “white blood cell count” is also used more generally to refer to the number of white blood cells in your body. There are several types of white blood cells, ...
What to tell your doctor before blood draw?
Prior to having your blood drawn, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you’re currently taking.
What are the cells that fight infections called?
WBCs, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. These cells help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body. White blood cells originate in the bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream. There are five major types of white blood cells: neutrophils.
How many kinds of white blood cells are there?
CBC with differential. There are five kinds of white blood cells. The differential looks at how many of each kind of white blood cell you have.
What is the term for the concentration of red blood cells in your blood?
Hematocrit describes the concentration of red blood cells in your blood.
What is CBC blood test?
Complete Blood Count. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It gives your provider information about your blood and overall health. CBCs help providers diagnose, monitor and screen for a wide range of diseases, conditions, disorders and infections.
What is CBC in healthcare?
A CBC gives your provider a picture of your overall health. Using a small amount of blood, a CBC can help detect hundreds of conditions, disorders and infections. It allows your provider to monitor your health, screen for disease and plan and adjust treatment.
What does CBC mean in medical terms?
Providers use this test to screen for diseases and adjust treatments. A CBC measures and counts your blood cells. Your provider takes a sample of your blood and sends it to a lab.
How long does it take for blood test results to come back?
Results are usually ready within a few days. Sometimes it only takes 24 hours to get results. Your provider will contact you to explain the results and discuss next steps. If your blood cell counts are outside of the normal range, your provider may order follow-up tests.
What is it called when there aren't enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body?
Anemia (when there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body).
What is a WBC?
WBC is: a medical term for “white blood cells”, white cells also called “Leucocytes”. Leucocytes is a general medical term for many blood cells that differ in their morphology and specific function, however all WBCs are made for body defense against microbes. Automatic analyzers in most laboratories around the world can count ...
What does WBC mean at birth?
What does Normal WBC count mean? Normal WBC count at birth is the highest count during the human life, this is due to activity of bone marrow at birth and to immunize the neonate upon birth, see normal CBC value in newborn, normal count range of white blood cells continue to be low as we go in the age until puberty, ...
What is a WBC count?
[1] A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the amount of white blood cells in a sample of a person’s blood.
How many WBCs are in a human body?
The normal range for a white blood cell count in a healthy adult is between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter (μl or mcL) or cubic millimeter (mm3) of blood, though this may differ between males and females, ...
How many WBCs are in a microliter of blood?
A: For an adult, a healthy WBC count is considered to be between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood. This is on average – some healthy individuals may have a higher or lower count.
What causes low WBC?
Low white blood cell (WBC) count 1 Viral or bacterial infection 2 Diminished bone marrow function 3 Cancer 4 Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and HIV/AIDS 5 Leukemia 6 Lupus 7 Tuberculosis 8 Cancer treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as other medications 9 Aplastic anemia
What does white blood cells do?
White blood cells also defend the body from allergens, mutated cells, such as cancer, and foreign matter, such as splinters, and remove dead cells, old red blood cells and other debris. [1] A white blood cell count checks both the overall levels of white blood cells in the blood, as well as the overall proportion of different types ...
What causes low white blood cells?
A low white blood cell count can be caused by issues including: Cancer treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as other medications. A low white blood cell count may cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and bodyache.
What is the threshold for low WBC?
The threshold for a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) varies between individuals and cases, but is generally considered to be anything lower than 4,000 white blood cells per μl of blood in an adult . A low white blood cell count can be caused by issues including:
Overview
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are responsible for protecting your body from infection. As part of your immune system, white blood cells circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness.
Function
White blood cells protect your body against infection. As your white blood cells travel through your bloodstream and tissues, they locate the site of an infection and act as an army general to notify other white blood cells of their location to help defend your body from an attack of an unknown organism.
Anatomy
Your white blood cells are in your bloodstream and travel through blood vessel walls and tissues to locate the site of an infection.
Conditions and Disorders
If you have a low white blood cell count, you are likely to get infections ( leukopenia ). If your white blood cell count is too high ( leukocytosis ), you may have an infection or an underlying medical condition like leukemia, lymphoma or an immune disorder.
What is the normal white blood cell count?
A normal white blood cell count for any person ranges between 3.5 to 10.5 billion per liter, as reported by Mayo Clinic. A count that falls above or below the normal range requires follow-up with a physician, as it can indicate a serious underlying health issue.
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is below 3.5?
Various medications result in a white blood cell count outside the normal range, according to Mayo Clinic. A count below 3.5 billion per liter — leukopenia — is a possible indicator of cancer, an autoimmune disease or an issue with bone marrow. An infection — or inflammation, in general can cause a count above 10.5 billion per liter.
What causes a high blood count?
An infection — or inflammation, in general can cause a count above 10.5 billion per liter. An abnormally high count can also be the result of issues with the immune system or bone marrow. ADVERTISEMENT.
What does it mean when your white blood count is high?
A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication. Platelet count. A platelet count that's lower than normal (thrombocytopenia) or higher than normal (thrombocytosis) is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, or it may be a side effect from medication.
Why is my white blood count low?
A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) may be caused by a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer. Certain medications also can cause white blood cell counts to drop.
Why is my red blood cell count higher than normal?
A red blood cell count that's higher than normal (erythrocytosis), or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, could point to an underlying medical condition , such as polycythemia vera or heart disease.
How are hemoglobin and hematocrit related?
The results of your red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit are related because they each measure aspects of your red blood cells. If the measures in these three areas are lower than normal, you have anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness.
What happens if your platelet count is below normal?
If your platelet count is outside the normal range, you'll likely need additional tests to diagnose the cause. For specifics about what your complete blood count results mean if they fall outside the normal ranges, talk to your doctor. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Why do you need a complete blood count?
A complete blood count is a common blood test that's done for a variety of reasons: To review your overall health. Your doctor may recommend a complete blood count as part of a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia or leukemia. To diagnose a medical condition.
Why do doctors use complete blood counts?
If you've been diagnosed with a blood disorder that affects blood cell counts, your doctor may use complete blood counts to monitor your condition. To monitor medical treatment. A complete blood count may be used to monitor your health if you're taking medications that may affect blood cell counts.
How many white blood cells are there in a microliter?
How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
Why does my WBC count drop?
Spleen problems: The spleen also makes WBCs. Infections, blood clots, and other problems can make it swell and not work the way it should. This will drop your WBC count.
What to do if your WBC is low?
When your WBC count is very low, you may need to take steps to avoid an infection. Your doctor may ask you to see a hematologist. This is a specialist who has extra training for diagnosing and treating blood count problems.
What cells fight infection?
White blood cells , also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout your body in your blood, looking for invaders. And your body is continuously making a fresh supply.
Does benzene harm white blood cells?
Scientific American: "Even at Low Levels, Benzene Takes Toll on White Blood Cells."
Does HIV kill WBCs?
HIV kills a specific kind of white blood cell. Medicines: Some drugs, including antibiotics, can destroy WBCs. Nutrition: Not eating well or low levels of certain vitamins, such as folic acid and B12, can affect how your body makes WBCs . Alcohol abuse can mess with the nutrients in your body and with WBC counts, too.
Is there a normal range for each of the five types of WBCs?
This other test gives a lot more detail. There are normal ranges for each of the five kinds of WBCs, and some problems only affect one type. The results of a diff could help your doctor narrow down what's going on.
Purpose of The Test
Interpreting Results
- The WBC count isn't specific enough to diagnose any particular disease. Abnormal values are simply an indication that something may be wrong and what the possible causes may be. If your WBC count is high, you have what is called leukocytosis. Among some of the possible causes of leukocytosis are:7 1. A bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection 2. Inflammatory conditions 3. Burn…
Follow-Up Tests
- If your WBC count is abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests depending on your symptoms and medical history. These may include tests to see if you have: 1. An infection: Your healthcare provider may order a urinalysis, for example, if they think you have a urinary tract infection. If they believe you have a viral infection, they might contain a polymerase chain reactio…
Summary
- White blood cells help fight infection and inflammation. A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. Many conditions, including infections, medications, inflammatory diseases, and blood or bone marrow disorders, can cause an abnormal WBC count. The WBC count is measured in a reference range of values by the number of blood c…
A Word from Verywell
- It's important to discuss your WBC count results—and any other test you undergo—with your doctor to understand what they mean. Doing so allows you to make informed choices about your health. It is also important not to jump to conclusions if you see a "high" or "low" notation on your WBC count results. It is only by comparing the test results to different blood test values that a h…