What does an increase in white blood cells usually indicate?
What does an increase in white blood cells usually 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. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.
Is it normal to have elevated white blood cell count?
Regular exercise and healthy food keeps you fit and active. Good eating and sleeping habits promote healthy levels of hormones, blood components, vitamins and electrolytes. Regular blood tests help measure and monitor the blood cell count. Pregnant women and elderly people may notice slightly elevated WBC count. It is considered normal.
When do you need a white blood cell count test?
High White Blood Cell Count. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that is commonly ordered by doctors. A CBC is often ordered as part of a complete physical or when your doctor thinks you might have a certain condition, such as an infection. A CBC may also be done to check on levels of prescribed medications in the body.
What should I know about my complete blood count?
1 White blood cell count. 2 White blood cell differential. 3 Neutrophils 4 Lymphocytes 5 Monocytes 6 Eosinophils 7 Basophils 8 Red blood cell count. 9 Hematocrit (Hct), the percentage of your blood that is made up of red blood cells 10 Hemoglobin (Hgb), the amount of the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
Can a low white blood cell count be a sign of a disease?
Because a low white blood cell count cannot, in and of itself, be used to diagnose a specific disease or disorder, you’ll likely need more testing to further assess your condition.
What happens if your white blood cell count is high?
Getting a complete blood count (CBC) is part of a routine laboratory work-up. It may also be requested to help diagnose a medical problem. Occasionally, your doctor may find that you have a high white blood cell count, a condition also called leukocytosis.
High White Blood Cell Count. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that is commonly ordered by doctors. A CBC is often ordered as part of a complete physical or when your doctor thinks you might have a certain condition, such as an infection. A CBC may also be done to check on levels of prescribed medications in the body.
When does your white blood cell count go down?
Before you can figure out what an elevated white blood cell count is, you need to know what a normal white blood cell count. The scale for a normal white blood cell count changes from birth to adolescence. As an infant, your white blood cell count tends to be higher, and the count steadily decreases to the age of 16.
What is elevated WBC called?
An elevated white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can be evidence that your body is trying to fight off something.