Normally the total WBC count for an adult ranges from 5,000 to 10,000/mm 3. Leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000/mm 3) can indicate infection, inflammation (possibly from allergies), tissue damage or burns, dehydration, thyroid storm, leukemia, stress, or steroid use.
What might be revealed from a differential white blood count?
A differential blood count gives the relative percentage of each type of white blood cell and also helps to reveal abnormal white blood cell populations (eg, blasts, immature granulocytes, and circulating lymphoma cells in the peripheral blood).
What happens to the WBC count when you have an infection Why?
When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This increases your white blood count. Other diseases can cause your body to make fewer white blood cells than you need. This lowers your white blood count.
What does high white blood cell differential mean?
There are many reasons your blood differential test results may be outside the normal range. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection, immune disorder, or allergic reaction. A low count may be caused by bone marrow problems, medication reactions, or cancer.
Which WBC is high in viral infection?
Neutrophils, which account for about 70% of white blood cells, can increase in response to bacterial infections as well as to physical or emotional stress. A high lymphocyte count may occur when there is a viral or bacterial infection. Increased monocytes can indicate chronic inflammation.
Is WBC 13.4 High?
The specific number for high white blood cell count varies from one lab testing facility to another, but a general rule of thumb is that a count of more than 10,500 leukocytes in a microliter of blood in adults is generally considered to be high, while 4,500-10,500 is considered within the normal range.
Why is differential WBC count more valuable?
Why is a differential WBC count more valuable than a total WBC count when trying to pin down the specific source of pathology? A differential WBC count is more valuable b/c any abnormal count of any of the WBC’s can indicate a problem or the source of pathology.
What WBC indicates viral infection?
On the other hand, if you have low levels of neutrophils (30%) and high levels of lymphocytes (60%), this is a sign that you have a viral infection. You should ask your doctor about your white blood cell differential, as it may tell you whether you have a bacterial infection or a viral infection.
What does high white cell count indicate?
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.
What can cause low white cell count?
Many diseases can cause leukopenia due to damage of the bone marrow, but low white blood cell counts can also be caused by drugs and laboratory errors. White blood cells may be destroyed during a course of radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and the count typically remains low until treatment has been completed.
What does white blood cell count and differential mean?
A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood. A differential can also detect immature white blood cells and abnormalities, both of which are signs of potential issues.
