White Blood Cells

Complete Blood CountImmunity & InflammationBloodPhenoAge

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, protect the body from infection. They travel through the bloodstream to find infections.

Why it matters: A white blood cell count that is either too high or too low can point to an underlying condition.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
4.0 – 9.010x9/L
4
9LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
Viral infections such as mononucleosis
Bacterial infections including sepsis
Physical stress
Leukemia
Allergies

May decrease with:

Bone marrow failure
Leukemia affecting the marrow
Chemotherapy
Vitamin B12 deficiency
HIV or AIDS
Associated Conditions
An infection, which a too-high count, called leukocytosis, may meanLeukaemia, which a too-high count may meanLymphoma, which a too-high count may meanAn immune disorder, which a too-high count may mean
Related Markers
NeutrophilsLymphocytesCRP
Common questions

What is White Blood Cells?

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, protect the body from infection. They travel through the bloodstream to find infections.

What might a high or low White Blood Cells mean?

A white blood cell count that is either too high or too low can point to an underlying condition.

What is the typical reference range for White Blood Cells?

The general-population reference range shown here is 4 – 9 10x9/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect White Blood Cells?

It may be higher with: Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, Viral infections such as mononucleosis, Bacterial infections including sepsis, Physical stress, Leukemia, Allergies. It may be lower with: Bone marrow failure, Leukemia affecting the marrow, Chemotherapy, Vitamin B12 deficiency, HIV or AIDS.

More in Complete Blood Count
BasophilsBasophils %EosinophilsEosinophils %ESRHematocritHemoglobinLymphocytesLymphocytes %MCH

Track your White Blood Cells over time

Upload your lab report and see where your values fall.

Get Started Free