What Is WBC?
A WBC count is a blood test done to measure the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in the body. These cells play an important role in protecting against infection. The normal reading for a white blood cell count is between 4,500 and 10,000 per microliter of blood. A WBC count is usually done during a complete blood count test.
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Facts
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According to Bloodbank.com, a drop of blood may contain from 7,000 to 25,000 white blood cells. This number will show a significant increase during an infection. The life cycle of a white blood cell is short lasting, from only a few days to a few weeks. Neutrophils, one of the five types of WBCs, is the first line of defense in fighting infections: 100 billion mature neutrophils are released in the body every day.
Types
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There are five types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphoctes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils. Each has a percentage reading that is considered normal. A blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of WBC in your blood. An increase or decrease in any of these indicates different disease processes going on in the body.
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Function
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White blood cells are the defenders of infection. They protect the body by fighting against viruses, bacteria or fungus, as well as parasites and allergens that may cause infections. They also strengthen the immune system.
Meaning of WBC Count
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A low number of WBC is called leukopenia; a high number is called leukocytosis. An elevated white blood cell count may be due to a bacterial infection, stress or trauma, or intense exercise, inflammation or leukemia. A decreased WBC may be due to an immune system disease, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. A WBC count that falls or rises to abnormal levels indicates the condition is worsening. As the condition improves, the WBC count returns to normal.
Considerations
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There are certain situations that may affect the results of the WBC count, including smoking, which may cause an increase in a WBC count, and age. The elderly may sometimes fail to show an increase in their WBC when they have an infection, while normal newborns and infants may have higher WBC counts than adults.
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