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Feb 21, 2024 · A high white blood cell (WBC) count can develop due to many conditions, including: Autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues. Viral or bacterial infections. Cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. Allergic reactions. Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery.
Jul 12, 2023 · Leukocytosis is a high white blood cell count that can indicate infection, inflammation, or blood cancer. Learn about the types of white blood cells, how they are tested, and what conditions are associated with leukocytosis.
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What does a high white blood cell count mean?
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Can a high white blood cell count cause symptoms?
- Overview
- White blood cell count test
- Purpose of a white blood cell count
- A normal WBC count
- A high or low WBC count
- Symptoms of an abnormal WBC count
- How to prepare for a WBC count
- What to expect from a WBC count
- Complications from a WBC count
- Q&A: Increasing your WBC count
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A healthy white blood cell count is key to a properly functioning immune system. Causes of a low or high white blood cell count include conditions that affect the immune system, infections, and certain medications.
A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. It may also be called a leukocyte test. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC), which is commonly used to screen for different conditions that may affect your overall health.
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, and your blood usually contains a percentage of each type. Sometimes, however, your white blood cell count can fall or rise out of the healthy range. This may be due to an underlying condition or infection.
Keep reading to learn the normal white blood cell count range is and what high or low white blood cell counts may mean.
A WBC count is often done as part of a CBC. These tests may be ordered as part of a routine blood test.
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. They originate in the bone marrow but move throughout the bloodstream. These cells help fight infection by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body.
A normal white blood cell count can indicate that your immune system is functioning as normal. The normal range for a white blood cell count is typically between 4,000 and 11,000/microliters.
Factors like age and sex may determine what a normal range looks like.
According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), these are the normal white blood cell count ranges for people in the following groups:
Note that pregnant people may have a white blood cell count that differs from these ranges. Newborns and children under two may also have ranges that differ from those listed above.
These normal ranges can also vary by lab. The lab performing your test may include a reference range listed on your report.
Another common measurement for the volume of blood is cubic millimeter, or mm3. A microliter and cubic millimeter equal the same amount.
If your test results are abnormal, it may mean that your numbers are higher or lower than the normal range for your age.
A low or high WBC count can point to a blood disorder or other medical condition. To identify the exact cause of a high or low WBC count, your doctor will take several factors into consideration, such as your list of current medications, any symptoms you have, and your medical history.
The symptoms of a low WBC count include:
•body aches
•fever
•chills
•headaches
High WBC counts don’t often cause symptoms, although the underlying conditions causing the high count may cause their own symptoms.
A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with a 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. Drugs that may affect your test results can include:
•corticosteroids
•quinidine
•heparin
•clozapine
A healthcare professional or lab technician needs to draw blood to check your WBC count.
This blood sample is typically taken either from a vein in your arm or a vein on the back of your hand. It only takes a couple of minutes to draw your blood, and you may experience minor discomfort.
The healthcare professional first cleans the site to kill any germs. Then, they will typically tie an elastic band around the upper section of your arm. This elastic band helps the blood fill your vein, making it easier for the blood to be drawn.
They may then insert a needle into your arm or hand to collect the blood in an attached tube. After, they will remove the elastic band from around your arm and remove the needle. Finally, the technician may apply gauze or a bandage to the site to stop the bleeding.
There’s typically a different technique for drawing blood from young children and infants. This may include first puncturing the skin with a lancet (a pricking needle) and then using a test strip or a small vial to collect the blood.
A laboratory typically processes these results. You may receive your results online, over a phone call, or during a follow-up visit.
Having your blood drawn is a simple procedure, and complications are rare.
However, it can be difficult to take blood from people with small veins. The lab technician may be unable to locate a vein the first time, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may have to move the needle around in order to draw blood. This can cause sharp pain or a stinging sensation.
Rare complications of a blood test may include:
•infection at the needle site
•excessive bleeding
•lightheadedness or fainting
Q:
Are there any foods I can eat that will help increase my WBC count? Anonymous
A:
No specific foods or diet is proven through research to increase the production of white blood cells. It’s important to include a good source of protein in your diet, as amino acids found in protein are needed to build WBCs. Vitamins B12 and folate are also needed to produce WBCs, so consider adding a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily. Though not proven, some believe that adding vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, garlic, selenium, and even spicy foods to your diet can boost the immune system. If you’re being treated for cancer or other causes of leukocytosis, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they might interfere with treatments. Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNAAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Was this helpful?
Learn what a white blood cell count test measures and what ranges are normal, high, and low. Find out the causes and symptoms of abnormal WBC counts and how to prepare for the test.
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Feb 23, 2024 · Learn about the different types of white blood cells, what causes them to increase or decrease, and how to diagnose and treat high or low levels. Find out how pregnancy, stress, infection, and cancer can affect white blood cell count.
Feb 14, 2023 · A high white blood cell count, or leukocytosis, can indicate an infection, inflammation, allergic reaction, or other condition. Learn about the different types of white blood cells, the normal ranges, and how to treat high levels.
Leukocytosis is a condition where the white blood cell count is above the normal range, indicating an activated immune system. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and normal ranges of leukocytosis, and how it can help diagnose infections, inflammation, or other conditions.
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related to: elevated white blood cell countDiscuss the Importance of Familial Screening for T1D With Your Patients. Read Safety Profile & Patient Criteria. See If This Treatment is Right For Your Patients.
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Visit the official HCP website for a FDA-approved treatment for myelofibrosis. See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, sign up to learn more.
