This test is often included with a complete blood count CBC. 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. 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. This test also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment in people with cancer. 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:.
These normal ranges can vary by lab. Another common measurement for the volume of blood is cubic millimeter, or mm3. A microliter and cubic millimeter equal the same amount. Having a higher or lower percentage of a certain type of WBC can also be a sign of an underlying condition. A healthcare provider or lab technician needs to draw blood to check your WBC count. This blood sample is 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 provider first cleans the needle site to kill any germs and then ties an elastic band around the upper section of your arm. This can be related to: [3]. In most instances, there are no specific symptoms related to an elevated white blood cell count, though symptoms associated with the underlying medical condition may occur.
However, in extreme cases, such as when leukocytosis occurs because of a condition affecting the bone marrow, symptoms directly related to an elevated white blood cell count may occur. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a high white blood cell count or one of the underlying conditions associated with it, begin your personal health assessment with the Ada app now.
The white blood cell count will typically return to normal around four-weeks after delivery. A normal white blood cell count is a reading that falls within a range established through the testing of men, women and children of all ages. Although it is possible to cite general values, exact ranges tend to differ between labs and countries. To carry out a white blood cell count, a doctor will draw a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand.
This is a common procedure, and side effects are rare, but may include lightheadedness, bleeding or infection. No special preparation is required for a white blood cell count, but a person should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking, as these can affect the results.
A white blood cell count is usually taken as part of a complete blood count. When corticosteroids are given to healthy persons, the WBC count rises. However, when corticosteroids are given to a person with a severe infection, the infection can spread significantly without producing an expected WBC rise.
An important concept to remember is that, leukocytosis as a sign of infection can be masked in a patient taking corticosteroids. Leukopenia occurs when the WBC falls below 4, Viral infections, overwhelming bacterial infections, and bone marrow disorders can all cause leukopenia.
Patients with severe leukopenia should be protected from anything that interrupts skin integrity, placing them at risk for an infection that they do not have enough white blood cells to fight. For example, leukopenic patients should not have intramuscular injections, rectal temperatures or enemas. Drugs that may produce leukopenia include:. Tell your health care provider the medicines you are taking, including the ones without a prescription.
Some drugs may change the test results. When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. You will have this test to find out how many WBCs you have. Your provider may order this test to help diagnose conditions such as:. 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.
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