Types

• Leucocytes (WBC) are nucleated cells that are involved in the defence mechanism of the body. Unlike red blood cells, white cells use the blood stream primarily for transportation to their place of function in the body tissues. They help protect against infections and also have a role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
• Leucocyte...

Description

Adults:

• 4000-11000 cells /mcL

New born:

• 10000-25000/ mcL

Infants:

• 6000-18000/ mcL

Children:

• 5000-15000/ mcL

When to get Tested

• WBC count is done as a part of Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• When there is s/s of Infection and /or inflammation (Fever, chills, body ache, pains, Headache)
• When there is s/s of autoimmune disorder

Elevated Level

Physiological

• Newborns & infants
• Physical exercise- due to shift leukocytosis
• After food intake - body metabolism increase, body temperature increases, circulation improves, leads to disruption of margination of leucocytes, resulting in leukocytosis
• Exposure to sun and increased environmental temperature
• Pregnancy
• Parturition (due to tissue injury, haemorrhage and severe exertion)
• Pain, nausea & vomiting
• Emotion & anxiety

Pathological:

• Acute bacterial infection e.g. boils, abscess, and pneumonia
• Chronic bacterial infection e.g. TB
• Allergic Responses
• Lymphoma
• Auto immune disorders
• Tissue injury e.g. Infarction, Burns, and Surgery
• Haemorrhage
• Neoplasia
• Stress states & hyperactivity- Convulsions, Severe colic
• Inflammatory disorders- Certain collagen disorders, Rheumatic fever
• Metabolic disorders e.g. Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Corticosteroid therapy

Decreased Level

Physiological

• Very rare
• Sometimes exposure to severe cold

Pathological:

• Infections - Typhoid fever, Paratyphoid fever, Early phases of many viral infections e.g. infectious hepatitis
• Replacement of haemopoietic tissue in the bone marrow by neoplastic infiltrative cells - Acute Leukemia , Lymphoma, Multiple myeloma, Myelofibrosis
• Aplastic anemia
• Cytotoxic therapy
• Drugs - Chloramphenicol, Sulphur drugs, Aspirin,
• Hypersplenism
• Starvation & malnutrition