WBC

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Background

  • White blood cell count; measure of circulating leukocytes
  • Reported on CBC with differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils)

Normal Values

  • Normal: 4,500-11,000/mcL
  • Leukocytosis: >11,000/mcL
  • Leukopenia: <4,500/mcL

Interpretation

  • Leukocytosis: infection (most common), stress response, steroids, leukemia, dehydration
    • Left shift (increased bands/immature forms) suggests acute bacterial infection
    • WBC >30,000 with blasts: consider leukemia
  • Leukopenia: viral infections, medications (chemotherapy, antibiotics), bone marrow failure, sepsis (ominous sign)
  • Neutropenia (ANC <500): high-risk for life-threatening infection; ANC = WBC x (% neutrophils + % bands)
  • WBC is a poor predictor of serious bacterial infection in isolation; interpret in clinical context

See Also

References

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