White blood cells help battle infections by attacking bacteria, infections, and germs that invade the body. A WBC count can spot concealed infections and undiagnosed medical conditions. A healthcare provider or laboratory service technician will draw blood to inspect your WBC count.
White blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, are a vital part of the immune system. These cells help battle infections by assaulting bacteria, infections, and bacteria that attack the body. White blood cells come from the bone marrow, however flow throughout the bloodstream. There are 5 major types of white blood cells:
- neutrophils
- lymphocytes
- eosinophils
- monocytes
- basophils.
A WBC count is a test that determines the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a total blood count (CBC). Your blood contains a portion of each type of white blood cell. Often, however, your leukocyte count can fall or increase from the healthy variety.
Learning what is– and what isn’t– a typical leukocyte count is essential for individuals who have chronic health conditions. The leukocyte (WBC) count is an important tool that your medical professionals will use in a range of health scenarios.
For individuals with IBD, the WBC count can be a sign that the inflammation connected with IBD is either increasing or reducing. As the WBC count increases, it might imply inflammation is taking place somewhere in the body.
What Is A White Blood Cell Count Test?
White blood cells are one type of cell that are discovered in the blood. A regular leukocyte count is These customized cells are simply a part of the body’s immune response. White blood cells are produced inside the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones. A high WBC count is one sign that there is an inflammatory disease or an inflammatory process happening somewhere in the body.
There are numerous various conditions that might cause an elevated or a lowered WBC count, but it is important to bear in mind that this test is not particular enough to detect any specific disease. Sometimes, although not always, individuals who have IBD and are experiencing the associated inflammation in their intestines may be discovered to have a greater than common WBC count.
Reference Range For A WBC Count
The WBC count is likewise often called a leukocyte count or white count.
It is often done as part of a larger complex of blood tests called a total blood cell (CBC) count. A WBC count is the number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Be encouraged, nevertheless, that there is no one number that defines a “regular” or a normal WBC count. The count might be expressed in one of numerous different types of systems since there is variation depending on which unit of measurement a particular lab uses.
Various labs will also have their own meaning of what makes up a “high” or a “low” WBC count.
What this all come down to is that while a table of WBC counts is consisted of listed below for reference, the numbers are an example of just one approximation of how a regular variety might be specified. In addition, a common WBC count can likewise vary from person to individual: someone’s variation of “normal” may not be the same as another person’s regular. Physicians may compare blood test leads to previous blood test results, especially if a “standard” number exists for a double-check. Ask your doctor if you have specific concerns about your WBC count numbers or about any blood test results.
Example White Blood Cell (WBC) Count Reference Ranges
| Approximate Low Range | Less than 4,000 white blood cells per mm3 |
| Approximate Normal Range | 4,500-10,000 white blood cells per mm3 |
| Approximate High Range | More than 11,000 white blood cells per mm3 |
What Is WBC Used For?
The WBC count is not in fact an indication of any particular disease; it cannot inform your doctor if you have or do not have a specific condition.
Rather, it is used as a crucial piece of info that a doctor can use to assist keep an eye on or evaluate the course of a disease or condition. Leukocytosis is present at an elevated WBC count; leukopenia is a reduced WBC count.
A greater than normal WBC count (leukocytosis) might be connected with:
- Allergy.
- Bacterial infection.
- Inflammatory disease.
- Leukemia.
- Malignancy.
- Injury.
A lower than typical WBC count (leukopenia) might be connected with:
- Drug allergy.
- Immune system conditions.
- Low bone marrow function.
- Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Viral infection.
Possible Complications
Having your blood drawn is an easy procedure, and complications are very uncommon. It can be tough to take blood from individuals with small veins. The laboratory specialist may be unable to locate a vein, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they might need to move the needle around in order to draw blood. This can cause a sharp pain or a stinging sensation. Uncommon complications include:
- infection at the needle site
- extreme bleeding
- lightheadedness or fainting
- bleeding underneath the skin (hematoma).
My report says my white blood cell count is 41.6. What does that calculate to actual number of white blood cells. Secondly, what is the proper way to calculate this? Do you multiply this amount by 1,000 to obtain he actual count?