White blood cells fight infection. A normal white blood cell count is between 5,000 and 10,000 cells. A white blood cell count below 1,000 cells increases the risk of infection. In some cases, your child may be given a medicine, such as “G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor),” to help increase the number of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Show
DifferentialDifferent types of white blood cells have different jobs. The “differential” is part of the blood count report that shows the breakdown of the various types of white blood cells in your child’s blood count. Neutrophils help to fight bacterial infections. Lymphocytes make antibodies to fight infections. Monocytes help to fight infection by killing and removing bacteria. Basophils and eosinophils respond during an allergic reaction. The term “ANC,” which stands for “Absolute Neutrophil Count,” is the total number of neutrophils in your child’s white blood cell count. We often refer to the ANC as the “infection-fighting” count. The lower the ANC drops, the higher the risk of infection. When the ANC drops below 500, the risk of infection is high.
On most blood count reports, you will see the ANC already calculated for you. You can also ask your health care provider to tell you the ANC. To calculate the ANC yourself, use this formula: ANC = (% segs + % bands) x WBC Look at your child’s differential. Add the percentage of segs (sometimes called polys or PMNs) and bands together (combined, these make up the neutrophil count). Multiply the neutrophil count by the white blood cell count (WBC). Example: WBC = 1,000% segs = 20 %% bands = 1% ANC = (% segs + % bands) x WBC ANC = (20% + 1%) x 1,000 ANC = (0.21 x 1,000) ANC = 210 (high risk for infection) Signs of InfectionWhile there are no outward signs of a low white blood cell count, it's important to be aware of the timing of low blood counts following chemotherapy. Whenever your child receives chemotherapy, you’ll want to speak with the nurse about the timing of low counts.) Call your health care provider right away if you notice any signs of infection, including:
If your child has a central venous access device (central line or port), check for redness, swelling, pain or pus at the site. A child with a low ANC may not have redness or pus, but could still have an infection. Does this test have other names?WBC count, leukocyte count What is this test?This test measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. White blood cells are also called leukocytes. Your bone marrow makes white blood cells and release them into the bloodstream. White blood cells help you fight infection. They are part of your body's immune system, which keeps you healthy and makes you well when you get sick. White blood cells work to destroy any foreign virus, fungus, or bacteria that enter your body. When you get sick, your white blood cell count is higher than normal. This is because your body is releasing more of these cells to fight the infection. But if you have certain illnesses like HIV or cancer, your white blood cell count can drop to very low levels. It can also drop if you are on medicine that weakens your immune system. This includes medicines, such as chemotherapy. White blood cells are divided into 5 main types:
This test measures the total count of all types of white blood cells. It does not measure the levels of each type of white blood cells. Why do I need this test?You may need this test to find out if you have an infection or illness. If your immune system is weakened by medicine or illness, you may also need this test to see if your white blood cell count is too low. If it is, even a simple infection could be very harmful to your body. What other tests might I have along with this test?You may also have these tests:
What do my test results mean?Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Normal white blood cell counts are:
Test results that are higher than normal may mean that you have an infection or illness that your body is fighting. Test results that are lower than normal may mean that your immune system isn't working as well as it should. This means that even a small infection could cause serious health problems. How is this test done?The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Infants usually have one of their heels stuck with a needle to collect a few drops of blood. Does this test pose any risks?Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. What might affect my test results?Some medicines may affect your test results. Tell your healthcare provider about treatments you are getting, medicines you are taking, or recent illnesses you've had. How do I get ready for this test?You can probably eat, drink, and take your medicine as usual, but check with your healthcare provider. Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. What is an alarming WBC count?A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
How low is too low for white blood cells?In general, for adults a count lower than 4,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count.
What is a normal white blood cell count for a woman?Normal white blood cell count
For women, it is a reading of between 4,500 and 11,000 per μl, and for children between 5,000 and 10,000.
What happen if white blood cells are high?Produced in your bone marrow, they defend your body against infections and disease. But, when there are too many white blood cells, it usually means you have infection or inflammation in your body. Less commonly, a high white blood cell count could indicate certain blood cancers or bone marrow disorders.
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What is a normal white blood count
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