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WBC count - Results

Alternative Names

Leukocyte count; White blood cell count

Normal Values:

4,500-10,000 white blood cells per microliter (mcL).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

A low number of WBCs is called leukopenia. It may be due to:

Bone marrow failure (for example, due to infection, tumor, or abnormal scarring)
Collagen-vascular diseases (such as lupus erythematosus)
Disease of the liver or spleen
Radiation therapy or exposure

A high number of WBCs is called leukocytosis. It may be due to:

Anemia
Infectious diseases
Inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergy)
Leukemia
Severe emotional or physical stress
Tissue damage (for example, burns)

These lists are not all inclusive.

Basophil (close-up)

Formed elements of blood

White blood cell count - series

Reviewed last on: 2/21/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bagby GC. Leukopenia and leukocytosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 173.

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