WBC count

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Basophil (close-up)

Formed elements of blood

Leukocyte count; White blood cell count

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.

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

• Bone marrow deficiency or failure (for example, due to infection, tumor, or abnormal scarring)
• Collagen-vascular diseases (such as systemic 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
• Bone marrow tumors
• 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.

Review Date: 02/13/2011
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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