Blood cell counts give your doctor important clues about the state of your health before, during and after treatment. Blood counts alone can't determine whether you have a blood cancer, but they can alert your doctor if further testing is needed. A complete blood count (CBC) is the number and types of cells circulating in your
blood. Your CBC is measured using laboratory tests that require a small blood sample. Blood is composed of several types of cells: A CBC also tests hemoglobin and hematocrit:
Normal Blood CountsNormal blood counts fall within a range established by testing healthy men and women of all ages. The cell counts are compared to those of healthy individuals of similar age and sex. Nearly all lab reports include a "normal" range or high and low "values" to help you understand test results. Normal Ranges of Blood Cell Counts for Healthy Adults and Children
1The ratio of hematocrit to hemoglobin is about 3 to 1. White Cell DifferentialDifferential count, sometimes referred to as a "diff," is a breakdown of the different types of white cells. A white cell (WBC) differential also checks whether white cells appear normal. The five types of white cells and the approximate percentage they make up in the blood are:
Until children are more than 4 years old, they have a higher percentage of lymphocytes in their blood than adults do. How Blood Cancers Affect Blood CountsBlood cancers can affect blood cell counts in a number of ways, either lowering or increasing measurements. If you're currently receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, drug therapy or radiation, your blood counts will be affected. Blood counts usually return to normal after treatment is complete. Should You Keep Track of Your Blood Counts?Some people want to know the results of their blood count tests so they can take preventive measures to protect their health or to what's causing their symptoms. For example:
Noncancerous ConditionsAbout 5 percent of healthy people will have test results outside of the "normal" range. If one or more of your blood cell counts is higher or lower than normal, your doctor will try to find out why. Many noncancerous conditions can contribute to low or high blood cell counts, such as those in the table below.
Does Low iron affect your white blood cell count?In severe iron deficiency, the white blood count (WBC) may be low and the platelet count may be high or low.
What causes anemia and high white blood cell count?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 iron increase white blood cell count?Answer: There are no supplements or specific foods known to increase white blood cell counts. People often confuse iron supplementation with low white blood cell count. Iron supplementation is only appropriate with low RED blood cells.
What is the most common reason for high white blood cell count?Overall, the most common cause for a high white blood cell count is response to infection. Another potential cause of an elevated white blood cell count is leukemia. This is effectively a cancerous change of the blood and bone marrow which causes significant overproduction of white blood cells.
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