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◉ what is wbc in blood test?
A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC), which is commonly used to screen for different conditions that may affect your overall health.
White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. They originate in the bone marrow but move throughout the bloodstream. These cells help fight infection by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body.
Elevation or decrease in the WBC count can be observed in a broad range of conditions, including both benign and malignant conditions, and requires more tests along with clinical information to determine the cause.
◉ What Are White Blood Cells?
Stem cells in the bone marrow are responsible for producing white blood cells, also called leukocytes, in response to inflammation, helping the immune system fight infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites), toxins and tumor cells.
There are different types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specific functions in the immune response.
- Phagocytosis
- Body defense
- Formation of fibroblast
- Secretion of heparin
- Anti histamine functions
- Manufacture of trephone
- Destroy Cancer Cells
◉ Why do I need the white blood cells test?
This test measures the number and types of white blood cells in your bloodstream. This test is commonly ordered by healthcare providers for various reasons, including:
- Infection: An elevated or decreased number of white blood cells can indicate an infection or an underlying inflammatory condition. An increase in specific types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes, may suggest different types of infections or immune responses.
- Monitoring Treatment: Changes in white blood cell counts can indicate whether the treatment is effective or if adjustments are needed.
- Immune System Disorders: Abnormal white blood cell counts can suggest immune system disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, leukemia, or other blood-related disorders. A WBC test can help in the initial evaluation and ongoing monitoring of these conditions.
- Allergic Reactions: In certain allergic reactions or hypersensitivity disorders, an increase in certain types of white blood cells, such as eosinophils, may be observed.
- Routine Health Check-ups: Monitoring your white blood cell levels over time can help identify any persistent abnormalities or trends that may require further investigation.
◉ Prepare for white blood cell test
Before the test: No special preparation is required for a WBC count test.
During the test: A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a slight pinch or prick when the needle is inserted. Afterward, you may experience some mild bruising or soreness at the site of the needle insertion.
Note: It's important to note that your doctor may provide you with specific instructions based on your individual health status and medical history. Therefore, it's always best to consult with your doctor before undergoing any medical tests.
◉ What is the normal range of WBC?
Some labs use different measurements, and normal value ranges for WBC counts may vary slightly among them. However, in general, the normal range for white blood cells is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L)
Factors like age and sex may determine what a normal range looks like. And it's important to note that normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs.
◉ High White Blood Cell Count
A high number of WBCs, more than 11,000 WBCs per microliter, is called leukocytosis
◉ 1. Causes of High WBC Count
- Infectious diseases.
- Inflammatory disease.
- Tissue damage (tissue necrosis, burns).
- Drugs: corticosteroids, lithium, beta agonists, aspirin, heparin.
- Severe emotional or Physical stress.
- Immune system disorders such as lupus
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Splenectomy: People who have had their spleen removed will have a persistent mild elevation of WBCs.
- Leukemias (Acute or Chronic).
- Myeloproliferative disorders.
- Pregnancy in the final month and labor may be associated with incraesed in WBC level.
- Smoking
- Obesity
◉ 2. Symptoms of High WBC Count
Most of the time, there are no particular symptoms from having a high white blood cell count, but you might experience symptoms related to the underlying medical issue.
- Fever
- Sweating
- Redness
- Swelling
- Decreased appetite.
- Pain
Note: If you have symptoms that may be linked to a high white blood cell count, it's advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider.
◉ Low White Blood Cell Count
A low number of WBCs, less than 4,500 cells per microliter, is called leukopenia
◉ 1. Causes of Low WBC Count
- Bone marrow failure.
- Bone marrow disorders
- Certain autoimmune disorders.
- Certain viral illnesses (HIV/AIDS) or severe bacterial infections.
- Severe emotional or Physical stress.
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Diseases of the liver or spleen
- Certain medicines (Antibiotics, Anticonvulsants, Antithyroid drugs)
◉ 2. Symptoms of Low WBC Count
The symptoms that accompany a low white blood cell count can vary and will depend on what's causing the low count. Infections are the most common problem, they can be more frequent and more severe than what you would experience if you had a normal WBC count.
- Fever
- Sweating
- Redness
- Swelling
- Sore throat.
- Tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin rashes
◉ What are other analytical tests related to WBC test
- Blood Differential Test: is another test that measures the amount of each type of white blood cell. It is used to help diagnose disorders related to having a high or low WBC count.
- Manual Differential Blood Test (peripheral smear): if abnormalities are collected on the automatic. It can also help look for unusual cells and young cells called a band.
Additional laboratory tests and imaging studies may be included as part of the diagnostic process:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- C-reactive protein (CRP): A protein made by the liver that increases when there is inflammation in your body.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body.
- Procalcitonin: A protein that increases when there is a bacterial infection in your body.
- Blood, urine and sputum cultures.
- Viral panels
- Mononucleosis and tuberculosis testing.
- Allergy testing
◉ Conclusion
White blood cell test is essential diagnostic tool that helps healthcare professionals assess the health of the immune system and identify potential medical conditions.
By understanding the significance of this test, healthcare professionals can make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans for patients.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information and guidance regarding white blood cell tests and their interpretation.