WBC count

Definition

A WBC count is a rake trial to measure the count of white rake cells ( WBCs ) in the rake. WBCs are besides called leukocytes. They help competitiveness infections. There are five major types of ashen blood cells :

• Basophils
• Eosinophils
• Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer cells)
• Monocytes
• Neutrophils

Alternative Names

Leukocyte count ; White rake cellular telephone count ; White blood cell derived function ; WBC derived function ; Infection – WBC count ; Cancer – WBC count

How the Test is Performed

A rake sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

Most of the time, you do not need to take especial steps before this test. Tell your health care supplier the medicines you are taking, including the ones without a prescription. Some drugs may change the test results .

How the Test will Feel

When the acerate leaf is inserted to draw blood, some people feel control pain. Others feel entirely a prickle or bite. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or little bruising. This soon goes away .

Why the Test is Performed

You will have this test to find out how many WBCs you have. Your provider may ordering this test to help diagnose conditions such as :

• An infection
• Allergic reaction
• Inflammation
• Blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma

Normal Results

The convention 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 slenderly among unlike labs. Some lab use different measurements or may test unlike specimens. Talk to your provider about your test results .

What Abnormal Results Mean

low WBC COUNT A broken issue of WBCs is called leukopenia. A count less than 4,500 cells per microliter ( 4.5 × 109/L ) is below normal. Neutrophils are one character of WBC. They are important for fighting infections.

A lower than normal WBC count may be due to :

• Bone marrow deficiency or failure (for example, due to infection, tumor, or abnormal scarring)
• Cancer treating drugs, or other medicines (see list below)
• Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus (SLE)
• Disease of the liver or spleen
• Radiation treatment for cancer
• Certain viral illnesses, such as mononucleosis (mono)
• Cancers that damage the bone marrow
• Very severe bacterial infections
• Severe emotional or physical stress (such as from an injury or surgery)

high WBC COUNT A higher than normal WBC count is called leukocytosis. It may be due to :

• Certain drugs or medicines (see list below)
• Cigarette smoking
• After spleen removal surgery
• Infections, most often those caused by bacteria
• Inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergy)
• Leukemia or Hodgkin disease
• Tissue damage (for example, burns)

There may besides be less common reasons for abnormal WBC counts. Drugs that may lower your WBC count include :

• Antibiotics
• Anticonvulsants
• Antithyroid drugs
• Arsenicals
• Captopril
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Chlorpromazine
• Clozapine
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Histamine-2 blockers
• Sulfonamides
• Quinidine
• Terbinafine
• Ticlopidine

Drugs that may increase WBC counts include :

• Beta adrenergic agonists (for example, albuterol)
• Corticosteroids
• Epinephrine
• Granulocyte colony stimulating factor
• Heparin
• Lithium

Risks

There is little hazard involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the soundbox to the early. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

other risks associated with having rake draw are flimsy, but may include :

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

References

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Differential leukocyte consider ( Diff ) – peripheral blood. In : Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. lab Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th erectile dysfunction. St Louis, MO : Elsevier Saunders ; 2013:441-450. Vajpayee N, Graham SS, Bem S. Basic interrogation of blood and cram marrow. In : McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry ‘s clinical diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd erectile dysfunction. St Louis, MO : Elsevier ; 2017 : crevice 30 .