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WBC count
Alternative Names Leukocyte count; White blood cell count

Contents of this page: Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test How the Test Will Feel Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks Considerations References

niymn_y Definition
karrab;RKab;QamsKWCaetssMrab;eGaydwgBIcMnYnRK ab;Qams A WBC count is a blood test to measure the karrab;RKab;QamsKWCaCMnYyedIm,IeGaydwgBIkarqg CmW White blood cells help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. RKab;QamsmanR)aMRbePT
There are five major types of white blood cells:
Basophils Eosinophils Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) Monocytes Neutrophils

number of white blood cells (WBCs).

How the Test is Performed

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typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is

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cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic).

Gkcak;ykQamRtUvrwtkarUenAEpkxagelInEkgdedIm,Ie Gaysse)a:geT,Ig The health care provider wraps an elastic

band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the health

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care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein.

QamEdlcak;)anRtUvdak;kgTIb The blood collects into an

 eRkayBIykQamrYceKRtUvbiTkEngmuxmledIm,IkuMeG ayQamhUr Once the blood has been collected, the needle is
removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

cMeBaHkumareKGaceRbImlm:agEdlehAfa lancet edIm,Icak;ykQam In infants or young children, a sharp tool

called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed.

eRkayBIcak;yktamRmamd QamkGacdak;kgbMBg;tUc rWqUtelIT,am The blood collects into a small glass tube called
a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory.

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WBC count is almost always done as part of a complete blood

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products. Certain drugs may

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interfere with test results.

sfEdlGaceFVIeGayRKab;QamsekIneT,Igman Drugs that may

increase WBC counts include: Allopurinol Aspirin Chloroform Corticosteroids Epinephrine Heparin Quinine Triamterene

sfmYycMnYnEdlGaceFVIeGayRKab;QamsfycuH Drugs that

may lower your WBC count include: Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Antihistamines Antithyroid drugs Arsenicals Barbiturates Chemotherapy drugs Diuretics Sulfonamides

How the Test Will Feel

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eBlEdlcak;mlcUleTAkgssGkxHmanGarmN_famankar QWbnicbnc ehIyGkxHeTot manGarmN_hak;dUcCastVTic When the needle is inserted to draw

ehtudUcemc)anCaeKrtUveFVIets Why the Test is

Performed

blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. bnab;mkGkxHGacmanPaBlIelI Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

RKUeBTsMueFVIetsenHedIm,IeGaydwgBIcMnYnRKab;Qams Your doctor will order this test to find out how many white blood cells you have. xneyIgbegItRKab;QamseRcIn eBlNaEdlmankarqgCmWrWRbtikmGal;laksIurWmankartb;R bml; Your body produces more white blood cells when you have an
infection or allergic reaction -- even when you are under general stress.

etIlTplminFmtamann_ydYcemc What Abnormal

Results Mean

karfycuHRKab;QamseQaHfa leukopenia GacbNalmkBI A low

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number of WBCs is called leukopenia. It may be due to: Bone marrow failure (for example, due to infection, tumor, or abnormal scarring) Collagen-vascular diseases (such as lupus erythematosus) Disease of the liver or spleen Radiation therapy or exposure leukocytosis A

high number of WBCs is called leukocytosis. It may be due to: Anemia 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.

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eRKaHfak; Risks
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There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken.

TMhMssEv:nnigGakETrGacxusKaBIkEngmYyeTAkEn gmYyeTot Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient
to another and from one side of the body to the other.

karcak;ykQamGacmankarlM)akBImnusSmak;eTAmnusS mak; Taking blood from some people may be more difficult
than from others.

eRKaHfakxHeTot;GacekItmanbnicbncenAeBlEdlcak ;ykQamEdlman Other risks associated with having blood

drawn are slight but may include:
Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling light-headed Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

kaeBicarNa Considerations
mnusSEdlkat;GeNIkecalGaceFVIeGayRKab;Qa mekIneT,Igbnicbnc People who have had their
spleen removed (splenectomy) will always have a slightly higher number of WBCs.

References Bagby GC. Leukopenia and leukocytosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 173.

Update Date: 2/21/2009 Updated 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.