Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a WBC Test?Normal Reference RangeWhat Does a High WBC Mean?What Does a Low WBC Mean?Medications and WBCWhen to See Your Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a WBC Test?
Normal Reference Range
What Does a High WBC Mean?
What Does a Low WBC Mean?
Medications and WBC
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If you have had your blood tested, you may have seen the letters WBC among the results. This is your white blood cell (WBC) count.
The WBC count test is among several that can help your healthcare provider figure out if something is going on inside of your body. It is also used to monitor chronic health conditions and check your response to treatment.
Verywell/Nez Riaz
A WBC count test is a blood test that assesses the percentage and types of white blood cells in your body.
White blood cellsare a group of blood cells that fight infection andinflammationin the body. They also protect your body from damage due to toxins (like air pollution) and aid wound healing and tissue repair.
White blood cells are produced in thebone marrowand are an essential part of yourimmune system. Although they make up less than 1% of your total blood cells, they play a vital role in keeping you healthy.
A WBC count is a test that involves a simpleblood draw. A healthcare practitioner will use a thin needle to collect blood from one of your veins, usually in your arm. You can generally get the test results back from the lab in a few days.
You don’t need any special preparations for a WBC count test. You do not need to fast for it and it can be taken at any time of day.
What It Measures
A WBC count measures the total number of all white blood cells in your blood. There are five different types:
If you see these five cell types on your results along with numeric values, it is because your healthcare provider ordered aWBC differential test. The “diff” test looks at each of the cell types to figure out what’s going on in the body based on which values are either high or low. Doing so helps narrow the possible causes.
WBC counts are often part of a more comprehensive test called acomplete blood cell (CBC) count. The CBC count looks not only at white blood cells but also atred blood cells(that transport oxygen throughout the body) andplatelets(that are responsible for blood clotting).
A CBC count is a common test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of illnesses, includinganemia, infections, and disease likeleukemia.
What Common Blood Tests Mean
No hard-and-fast number defines a “normal” WBC count—it differs from one person to the next. Factors like age, sex, race, smoking status, and others can influence what is normal for you.
Normal results fall within these ranges. Results below these ranges are considered low, and anything above is considered high. However, what is normal can vary from one person to the next and can fluctuate throughout the day.
Normal WBC ranges can also be different from lab to lab. It is possible to have a normal WBC at one lab and find that you have a low or high WBC count at another. (This is why people who require ongoing blood tests are advised to use the same lab provider for all tests.)
What Is a Good WBC Level for a Woman?The normal WBC count range for women is typically wider than that of men. For women, a normal WBC can vary from 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm3. The normal range for men is between 5,000 and 10,000 cells/mm3.
What Is a Good WBC Level for a Woman?
The normal WBC count range for women is typically wider than that of men. For women, a normal WBC can vary from 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm3. The normal range for men is between 5,000 and 10,000 cells/mm3.
What Is a Chem 7 Blood Test?
The WBC count isn’t specific enough to diagnose any particular disease. Abnormal values are simply an indication that something may be wrong and what the possible causes may be.
If your WBC count is high, you have what is calledleukocytosis. Some of the possible causes of leukocytosis include:
Should I Worry About a High WBC Count?
If yourWBC count is low, you are said to haveleukopenia. On its own, it may not mean anything, though some of the possible causes of leukopenia include:
Don’t jump to worst-case scenarios if you see a “high” or “low” notation on your WBC count results. This test needs to be evaluated along with other blood test values and possibly more testing before your healthcare provider can narrow down the possible causes.
Medications Can Cause Abnormal WBC Counts
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause an abnormal WBC count. It is essential always to review your medication history with your healthcare provider.
Certain drugs can cause your WBC count to drop below the normal range of values. These include:
Some medicines can raise your WBC count. The more common include:
Red Blood Cell Count: Understanding MCV, MCH, RDW, and More
Symptoms that indicate your WBC count may be off include:
If you have these symptoms, your healthcare provider might order a WBC count test.
Further Testing
If your WBC count results come back as abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests depending on your symptoms and medical history. These may include tests to see if you have:
What Is a Blood Smear Test?
Summary
White blood cells help fight infection and inflammation. A white blood cell count test measures the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. Many conditions, including infections, medications, inflammatory diseases, and blood or bone marrow disorders, can cause an abnormal WBC count.
A WBC count isn’t specific enough to diagnose a particular disease or condition. Still, the test can provide valuable clues as to what is causing your symptoms.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.King W, Toler K, Woodell-May J.Role of white blood cells in blood- and bone marrow-based autologous therapies.Biomed Res Int.2018;2018:6510842. doi:10.1155/2018/6510842Kabat GC, Kim MY, Manson JE.White blood cell count and total and cause-specific mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative.Am J Epidemiol.2017 Jul 1;186(1):63–72. doi:10.1093/aje/kww226U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.White blood count (WBC).MedlinePlus.Complete blood count (CBC).University of Rochester Medical Center.White blood cell count.Coates S, Wang D, Pierscionek T, et al.Time- and race-specific haematological reference intervals for healthy volunteer trials: a retrospective analysis of pooled data from multiple phase I trials.Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 13;11:314. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00314Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Riley LK, Rupert J.Evaluation of patients with leukocytosis.Am Fam Physician.2015;92(11):1004-11.Newburger PE, Dale DC.Evaluation and management of patients with isolated neutropenia.Semin Hematol. 2013;50(3):198-206. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2013.06.010Moore DC.Drug-induced neutropenia: a focus on rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia.P T.2016 Dec;41(12):765–8.Van Seventer JM, Hochberg NS.Principles of infectious diseases: transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control.Int Encycloped Pub Health. 2017;22-39. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00516-6MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein (CRP) test.American College of Rheumatology.Antinuclear antibodies (ANA).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing,Davis AS, Viera AJ, Mead MD.Leukemia: an overview for primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(9):731-8.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.King W, Toler K, Woodell-May J.Role of white blood cells in blood- and bone marrow-based autologous therapies.Biomed Res Int.2018;2018:6510842. doi:10.1155/2018/6510842Kabat GC, Kim MY, Manson JE.White blood cell count and total and cause-specific mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative.Am J Epidemiol.2017 Jul 1;186(1):63–72. doi:10.1093/aje/kww226U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.White blood count (WBC).MedlinePlus.Complete blood count (CBC).University of Rochester Medical Center.White blood cell count.Coates S, Wang D, Pierscionek T, et al.Time- and race-specific haematological reference intervals for healthy volunteer trials: a retrospective analysis of pooled data from multiple phase I trials.Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 13;11:314. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00314Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Riley LK, Rupert J.Evaluation of patients with leukocytosis.Am Fam Physician.2015;92(11):1004-11.Newburger PE, Dale DC.Evaluation and management of patients with isolated neutropenia.Semin Hematol. 2013;50(3):198-206. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2013.06.010Moore DC.Drug-induced neutropenia: a focus on rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia.P T.2016 Dec;41(12):765–8.Van Seventer JM, Hochberg NS.Principles of infectious diseases: transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control.Int Encycloped Pub Health. 2017;22-39. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00516-6MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein (CRP) test.American College of Rheumatology.Antinuclear antibodies (ANA).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing,Davis AS, Viera AJ, Mead MD.Leukemia: an overview for primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(9):731-8.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
King W, Toler K, Woodell-May J.Role of white blood cells in blood- and bone marrow-based autologous therapies.Biomed Res Int.2018;2018:6510842. doi:10.1155/2018/6510842Kabat GC, Kim MY, Manson JE.White blood cell count and total and cause-specific mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative.Am J Epidemiol.2017 Jul 1;186(1):63–72. doi:10.1093/aje/kww226U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.White blood count (WBC).MedlinePlus.Complete blood count (CBC).University of Rochester Medical Center.White blood cell count.Coates S, Wang D, Pierscionek T, et al.Time- and race-specific haematological reference intervals for healthy volunteer trials: a retrospective analysis of pooled data from multiple phase I trials.Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 13;11:314. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00314Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Riley LK, Rupert J.Evaluation of patients with leukocytosis.Am Fam Physician.2015;92(11):1004-11.Newburger PE, Dale DC.Evaluation and management of patients with isolated neutropenia.Semin Hematol. 2013;50(3):198-206. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2013.06.010Moore DC.Drug-induced neutropenia: a focus on rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia.P T.2016 Dec;41(12):765–8.Van Seventer JM, Hochberg NS.Principles of infectious diseases: transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control.Int Encycloped Pub Health. 2017;22-39. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00516-6MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein (CRP) test.American College of Rheumatology.Antinuclear antibodies (ANA).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing,Davis AS, Viera AJ, Mead MD.Leukemia: an overview for primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(9):731-8.
King W, Toler K, Woodell-May J.Role of white blood cells in blood- and bone marrow-based autologous therapies.Biomed Res Int.2018;2018:6510842. doi:10.1155/2018/6510842
Kabat GC, Kim MY, Manson JE.White blood cell count and total and cause-specific mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative.Am J Epidemiol.2017 Jul 1;186(1):63–72. doi:10.1093/aje/kww226
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.White blood count (WBC).
MedlinePlus.Complete blood count (CBC).
University of Rochester Medical Center.White blood cell count.
Coates S, Wang D, Pierscionek T, et al.Time- and race-specific haematological reference intervals for healthy volunteer trials: a retrospective analysis of pooled data from multiple phase I trials.Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 13;11:314. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00314
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.
Riley LK, Rupert J.Evaluation of patients with leukocytosis.Am Fam Physician.2015;92(11):1004-11.
Newburger PE, Dale DC.Evaluation and management of patients with isolated neutropenia.Semin Hematol. 2013;50(3):198-206. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2013.06.010
Moore DC.Drug-induced neutropenia: a focus on rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia.P T.2016 Dec;41(12):765–8.
Van Seventer JM, Hochberg NS.Principles of infectious diseases: transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control.Int Encycloped Pub Health. 2017;22-39. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00516-6
MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein (CRP) test.
American College of Rheumatology.Antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing,
Davis AS, Viera AJ, Mead MD.Leukemia: an overview for primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(9):731-8.
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