What is a white blood cell count?
White blood cells are one of the types of cells that are found in the blood. These specialized cells are one part of the body's immune response. White blood cells are created inside the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones. There is an estimate as to what is a typical white blood cell count and what is too high or too low.
What is the reference range for a WBC count?
Reference Range (Normal Range) for a WBC Count. It is often done as part of a bigger complex of blood tests called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. A WBC count is the number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Be advised, however, that there is no one number that defines a "normal" or a typical WBC count.
What is considered a low white blood cell count?
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 is the threshold for a high white blood cell count?
The exact threshold for a high white blood cell count varies from one laboratory to another. In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count. A high white blood cell count is also called leukocytosis.
Is 15.9 white blood cell count high?
Diagnosis of a high white blood cell count The normal range for your WBC is usually 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter. Your WBC is generally considered high if it is greater than 11,000 cells per microliter.
What is an alarming white blood cell count?
In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count.Jun 11, 2005
What is a dangerously high white blood cell count?
A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000/μL. This occurs when the immune system is stimulated in some way.Jan 4, 2021
What causes your white blood cells 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.Jun 11, 2005
Is 12.9 a high white blood cell count?
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.Apr 1, 2022
What lab values indicate leukemia?
How Is Leukemia Treated? Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia.
Can high white blood cell count lead to death?
However, the authors observed that death risk varied even within the normal WBC count range. Those with a high-normal WBC count of 6,000 to 10,000 had a 30 percent to 40 percent higher risk of death than patients with a low-normal WBC count of 3,500 to 6,000, the researchers said.Mar 23, 2008
Is 15000 WBC high?
An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (>15,000/mm3) can be an indicator of bacteremia but is also present in many viral illnesses. Leukopenia (<5000/mm3) can also be a sign of SBI or early sepsis.
Can high white blood cells be treated?
Leukapheresis is a way of removing abnormal white blood cells from the blood. You might have this treatment if you have a very high white blood cell count. Very high numbers of leukaemia cells in the blood can cause problems with normal circulation.
Why is WBC count expressed in different units?
The count may be expressed in one of several different types of units because there is variation depending on which unit of measurement a particular lab uses. Different labs will also have their own definition of what constitutes a "high" or a "low" WBC count.
What is a WBC count?
A WBC count is the number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Be advised, however, that there is no one number that defines a "normal" or a typical WBC count.
What medications can cause a low WBC?
Some medications that treat IBD, such as 6-MP and Imuran, may cause the WBC count to be lower than normal. 1 A gastroenterologist can help put a low WBC count into perspective when these drugs are being used to treat IBD.
What does a high WBC mean?
A high WBC count could indicate that there' s an infection or inflammation in the body. 2 . A normal WBC count is not an exact number but instead is a value somewhere above what would be considered low and below what would be considered high. The WBC count result is used along with other test results to monitor the status of a disease or condition.
Why is my WBC count abnormal?
Abnormal WBC Count in IBD. A WBC count could be out of the normal range due to some medications that are used to treat IBD. In particular, corticosteroids such as prednisone may cause an increase in white blood cells.
How much does WBC differ from morning?
Another large study conducted by UK researchers suggested timing matters. The study showed (WBC) results could differ by 24% depending on whether your test was in the morning or at the end of the day. 9
What does WBC mean in blood test?
If you've had your blood tested, you may have seen the letters W-B-C among your results. This is your white blood cell (WBC) count. The test can help doctors figure out if something is going on inside your body. It can also help people living with chronic illnesses manage their conditions.
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 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 to draw blood from a child?
Healthcare providers use a different technique when drawing blood from young children and infants: Providers first puncture the skin with a lancet (a pricking needle), and then use a test strip or a small vial to collect the blood. Results are sent to a lab for review.
Why is my white blood cell count 15.9? What does this mean?
However, the number means basically nothing in the absence of more information about the counts of individual cells, how they look, and how you feel.
What do bands on white blood cell count mean?
Immature cells: Bands are the immature white blood cells, their presence can mean many things, but we typically find them elevated in acute infection, in the sense that in an acute infection your bone marrow is pumping out so many white blood cells to fight infection that it start pumping out immature ones "bands".
Can steroids raise white count?
Some medications like steroids can raise your white count. Other issues related to the bone marrow can affect it. Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours.
Is a low WBC count dangerous?
Depends entirely on: The context. A very low WBC count in the presence of fever can be immediately life threatening. On the high side over 100, 000 can be very concerning in acute leukemia, and very routine and expected in chronic leukemia.
What is a white blood count (WBC)?
A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases.
What happens during a white blood count?
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
Why do I need a white blood count?
You may need this test if you have signs of an infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease. Symptoms of infection include:
What do the results mean?
A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:
What is a blood test for neutrophils?
A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections. A higher than normal amount of neutrophils is known as neutrophilia.
How to test a child's blood?
To test children, a health care provider will take a sample from the heel (newborns and young babies) or the fingertip (older babies and children). The provider will clean the heel or fingertip with alcohol and poke the site with a small needle. The provider will collect a few drops of blood and put a bandage on the site.
How many types of white blood cells are there?
There are five major types of white blood cells:
What is the term for a disease where WBCs are destroyed?
Leukopenia: Wbcs either being destroyed by virus or severe bacterial infections; medication such as chemotherapy, some antibiotics or diuretics; overactive spleen. Or underproduction as a primary effect as in aplastic anemia or suppression of production of wbcs by bone marrow as in some cancers & leukemias, overwhelming infection, hiv / aids, some parastitic diseases, radiation therapy & malnutrition.
Can steroids raise white count?
See your doctor to evaluate it. Possibly related to underlying infection. Some medications like steroids can raise your white count. Other issues related to the bone marrow can affect it.
Is it bad to have a low white blood cell count? And what does it mean?
Not usually: A low white count is present in about 15% of the population and usually has no clinical significance. Discuss the result with your doctor.
Purpose of The Test
Normal Reference Range of Values
- No hard-and-fast number defines what a "normal" WBC count is. Instead, the results are reported in relation to the normal expected range of values within a population. Anything below this range is low, and anything above this range is considered high.3 Labs can also differ in defining a high or a low WBC count. So, it is possible to have a normal WBC at one lab and find that you have a l…
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. I...
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…