How many white blood cells should a normal person have?
The normal 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, and healthy children and young people usually have more.
What does a normal white blood cell count mean?
A normal white blood cell count is generally about 4,500 to 11,000/μL. White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000/μL.
What is a normal platelet count for a woman?
What is Normal Platelet Count? The range of normal platelet count is from 1, 50, 000 to 4, 50, 000 platelets per micro liter of blood. This platelet count stands valid for both male and female and for people in all age groups. If a person has more than 4, 50, 000 platelets, he is suspected to be suffering from a condition known as Thrombocytosis.
What is the normal range for white cell count?
White blood cells are measured in the number per microliter, and a “normal” count is generally a range. Different laboratories might use different ranges. In general, the normal range for men is 5,000-10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. For women who are not pregnant, the range is 4,500-11,000 white blood cells per microliter.
What is the normal white blood cell count?
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is below 3.5?
What causes a high blood count?
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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.
What is a abnormal white blood cell count for a woman?
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 is a healthy white blood count level?
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. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about your test results.
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.
When should I be worried about high WBC?
The specific number for high (above normal) white blood cell count varies from one lab testing facility to another, but a general rule of thumb is that a count of more than 10,500 leukocytes in a microliter of blood in adults is generally considered to be high, while 4,500-10,500 is considered within the normal range.
What infections cause white blood cells to be high?
A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:A bacterial or viral infection.An inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.An allergy.Leukemia or Hodgkin disease.Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery.
What are symptoms of high white blood cell count?
Symptoms of a High White Blood Cell CountFever.Fatigue.Decreased appetite.Sweats.Chills.Swelling of an area of infection.Joint swelling due to infection or autoimmune disease.Itching, with or without a rash.More items...•
Is 3.9 WBC too low?
The definition of “normal” depends on the lab that processed your blood results. Generally, though, a normal white blood cell count is 4,000-11,000 per microliter of blood. This is usually reported as 4.0-11.0 thousands/μL.
Is 3.3 WBC too low?
Generally, a count lower than 3,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count.
What cancers cause low WBC?
Low white blood cell count. These types of cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
How can I raise my white blood cell count?
Some sources of quality protein are fish, eggs, poultry, beef, milk, Greek yogurt and beans. If your diet is poor, or you're having trouble eating, you can take a multivitamin or supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. The body uses vitamin B12 and folate to make WBCs.
How can I raise my white blood cells fast?
Foods to Boost White Blood Cells (Immunity)Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ... Green Tea. ... Garlic. ... Fruits And Vegetables. ... Special Note: Papaya. ... Nuts And Seeds. ... Special Note: Brazil nuts. ... Vitamins B6, B12 & Folic Acid (Folate)More items...
What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count? - eMedicineHealth
A normal white blood cell count is generally about 4,500 to 11,000/μL.. White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000/μL.
White blood cell counts in persons aged 65 years or more from the ...
A higher white blood cell (WBC) count has been shown to be a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke in middle-aged populations. This study evaluated the relation between baseline WBC count and other risk factors, as well as subclinical and prevalent disease, in the Cardiovascular Health St …
Low White Blood Cell Count: 6 Possible Causes for a Low WBC
Follow-up Tests. If there's no clear reason for a low white blood cell count, your doctor will probably want to do the test again, or do a differential or "diff" along with the CBC.
Is 9.3 white blood cell count high? - Answers
What is considered high white blood cell count? For adults, a high white blood cell count is 10,500 leukocytes per microliter of blood. Average white blood cell count is 4,500 to 10,500.
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.
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 does it mean when your WBC is high?
A high WBC count could mean that there's inflammation or an infection somewhere in the body. In some cases, it might be clear that it's related to an existing disease or condition, in which case, the symptoms of that disease might be present.
What does it mean when your WBC goes up?
1 As the WBC count goes up, it could mean inflammation is happening somewhere in the body. As the WBC count goes down, it could mean inflammation is resolving.
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.
What percentage of blood is hematocrit?
Hematocrit is the proportion of total blood volume made up of red blood cells; this should measure from 36.1 to 44.3 percent in women and 40.7 to 50.3 percent in men, according to the National Library of Medicine.
How many red blood cells are in a microliter?
Normal red blood cell counts range from 4.2 to 5.4 million cells per microliter in women. Typical white blood cell counts range from 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter in both men and women, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
What are some causes a low white blood cell count in a woman?
Low white cell count: Viral infections often cause leukopenia (low white blood cell count). Other causes: depressed bone marrow, poisoning, chemical burns, malnutrition, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.
Anyone know what is a normal white blood cell count?
4000-10000.: Normal WBC is 4, 000 - 10, 000. Some populations (asians and blacks) tend to have lower white counts than caucasians, and can have normal counts on the low end between 3, 000 and 4, 000.
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.
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.
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.
What does a low WBC count mean?
A low or high WBC count can point to a blood disorder or other medical condition.
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, ...
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.
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 the medical term for white blood cells?
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.
What causes low white blood cells?
Infections or other problems that cause abnormally low white blood cell count or high white blood cell count. Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. Side effects of chemotherapy and some prescription medications. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
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 does differential mean in blood work?
The differential looks at how many of each kind of white blood cell you have. Hemoglobin tests measure hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hematocrit describes the concentration of red blood cells in your blood. A CBC tells your provider: How many new blood cells your body is creating.
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.
What does CBC test show?
What does a CBC detect? A CBC blood test can help your provider diagnose a wide range of conditions, disorders, diseases and infections, including: Anemia (when there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body). Bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes.
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 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.
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 a high white blood cell count?
White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. 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 ...
Which cells make up 30% of the total number of white blood cells?
They make up about 30% of the total number of white blood cells. Monocytes. These white blood cells have a longer lifespan than other white blood cells and help to break down bacteria. They make up about 8% of the total number of white blood cells. Eosinophils.
What happens if your white blood cells are too high?
What Are White Blood Cells? White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. Infection can cause spikes, as well as blood cancers and other conditions. White blood cells (leukocytes) make up about 1% of our blood and they help protect the body against illness and disease.
What causes high white blood cells?
Causes of high white blood cell counts include: Infections, such as bacterial infections. Leukemia and lymphoma, which are types of cancers. Trauma. Extensive wounds or burns. Acute or chronic inflammation such as from autoimmune disease, allergies, and other inflammatory problems. Cigarette smoking.
Which white blood cells kill parasites?
Eosinophils. These white blood cells attack and kill parasites and cancer cells. They also help with allergic responses. They make up about 1 to 3% of the total number of white blood cells. Basophils. These white blood cells release histamine during an allergic reaction which promotes blood flow to the body’s tissues.
How old is a baby when you have a high white blood cell count?
As an infant, your white blood cell count tends to be higher, and the count steadily decreases to the age of 16. The measurements are taken per microliter or mcL. “Normal” white blood cell counts can vary from laboratory to laboratory, but they do tend to be similar.
What is an elevated white blood cell count?
An elevated white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can be evidence that your body is trying to fight off something. If your test results show an elevated white blood cell count, your first thought might be that something horrible is wrong with you. While many of the causes of an elevated white blood cell count are serious, ...
What foods lower white blood cells?
The following foods can not only help you lower the white blood cell count, but they are also good, healthy choices alone. 1. Antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants like carrots, blueberries, onions and garlic are great to help with the immune system. 2.
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.
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 W...
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…