Does this test have other names?WBC count, leukocyte count Show
What is this test?This test measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. White blood cells are also called leukocytes. Your bone marrow makes white blood cells and release them into the bloodstream. White blood cells help you fight infection. They are part of your body's immune system, which keeps you healthy and makes you well when you get sick. White blood cells work to destroy any foreign virus, fungus, or bacteria that enter your body. When you get sick, your white blood cell count is higher than normal. This is because your body is releasing more of these cells to fight the infection. But if you have certain illnesses like HIV or cancer, your white blood cell count can drop to very low levels. It can also drop if you are on medicine that weakens your immune system. This includes medicines, such as chemotherapy. White blood cells are divided into 5 main types:
This test measures the total count of all types of white blood cells. It does not measure the levels of each type of white blood cells. Why do I need this test?You may need this test to find out if you have an infection or illness. If your immune system is weakened by medicine or illness, you may also need this test to see if your white blood cell count is too low. If it is, even a simple infection could be very harmful to your body. What other tests might I have along with this test?You may also have these tests:
What do my test results mean?Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Normal white blood cell counts are:
Test results that are higher than normal may mean that you have an infection or illness that your body is fighting. Test results that are lower than normal may mean that your immune system isn't working as well as it should. This means that even a small infection could cause serious health problems. How is this test done?The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Infants usually have one of their heels stuck with a needle to collect a few drops of blood. Does this test pose any risks?Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. What might affect my test results?Some medicines may affect your test results. Tell your healthcare provider about treatments you are getting, medicines you are taking, or recent illnesses you've had. How do I get ready for this test?You can probably eat, drink, and take your medicine as usual, but check with your healthcare provider. Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. 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. Your doctor measures how many of these
cells you have by sending some of your blood to a lab to do a complete blood count, or CBC. Your white blood cell count is one of the numbers you get back from this test. It may point toward or confirm a diagnosis, or show whether a treatment is working or not. Most often, a low white blood cell count is nothing to worry about. 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. A low number is sometimes called leukopenia. Your doctor will do a physical
exam and consider symptoms that you have along with your past medical issues to figure out what's behind your result. Bone marrow problems: The spongy center of your bones, which is called the bone marrow, makes blood cells. Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems. Being around certain chemicals, like benzene and pesticides, as well as some types of cancer and
cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, can hurt your bone marrow's ability to make WBCs. Autoimmune disorders: Some
autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs. Infection: Viruses can affect your bone
marrow and cause low WBCs for a while. Severe infections, like blood infections, can lead to your body using up WBCs faster than it can make them. HIV https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/understanding-aids-hiv-symptoms 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. 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. 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. 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. Many times, a repeated test will show that your WBC
count is normal. Your doctor may want to do more tests, based on the symptoms you have. For instance, you might get checked for strep throat or mono. Other blood tests can look for a
viral infection, inflammation, or allergies. The doctor may want to take a sample of your
bone marrow to see if it's healthy. 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. If your WBC count
stays low or keeps getting lower, work with your doctor to find out why it's happening. The right treatment should help your white blood cell count return to normal. What happens if your WBC count is 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.
What happens if WBC count is low?A low white blood cell count usually means your body is not making enough white blood cells. It can increase your risk of getting infections.
What is an alarming WBC count?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.
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What is wbc count in blood test
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