What should my wbc levels be

An increase in white blood cells is known as leukocytosis. It typically occurs in response to the following conditions:. Certain respiratory conditions, such as a whooping cough or tuberculosis , may cause the levels of white blood cells to increase. In some cases, all white blood cells become affected.

However, some people have a specific disease in which only one type of white blood cell is affected. If levels of one particular type of white blood cell increase, this may be due to a specific trigger:. There is, on occasion, no identifiable cause for the increase in white blood cells. This is known as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

It can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the heart, lung, liver, skin, and nervous system. White blood cell levels increase significantly during healthy pregnancy because of the physical stress the body endures during this time. The levels start to rise within the first trimester and continue to rise into the third trimester. During labor and in the hours following delivery, white blood cell levels may surge again, to between 9, and 25, white blood cells in every microliter of blood.

This is in response to the physical stresses and trauma of labor. Within 6—8 weeks of delivery, white blood cells return to their normal levels. A doctor may use a blood test to determine levels of white blood cells. If levels of white blood cells are lower than usual, this may be a sign that the person has reduced immune activity. This can occur as a result of conditions similar to HIV , or immunosuppressant medications. A deficiency of white blood cells is why people with conditions or medications that suppress the immune system have an increased risk of infection.

A number of conditions, collectively known as myeloproliferative disorders, can occur in the bone marrow. These develop when too many immature blood cells are produced, leading to an imbalance.

Myeloproliferative disorders are rare conditions that may or may not become malignant. The exact effects of a high white blood cell count depend on the condition or factor causing them. Bacterial and viral cultures.

Your healthcare provider may also send samples of your blood, urine, sputum, and cerebral spinal fluid CSF to the lab to check for bacteria and viruses. Imaging tests. If your healthcare provider thinks you may have a type of blood cancer, you may need a biopsy to help figure out the cause of your abnormal WBC values. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.

Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Test results that are higher than normal may mean that you have an infection or illness that your body is fighting.

Test results that are lower than normal may mean that your immune system isn't working as well as it should. This means that even a small infection could cause serious health problems. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Infants usually have one of their heels stuck with a needle to collect a few drops of blood. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded.

When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. Some medicines may affect your test results.

Tell your healthcare provider about treatments you are getting, medicines you are taking, or recent illnesses you've had. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. You will have this test to find out how many WBCs you have. Your provider may order this test to help diagnose conditions such as:.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about your test results.

A low number of WBCs is called leukopenia. A count less than 4, cells per microliter 4. Neutrophils are one type of WBC. They are important for fighting infections. A higher than normal WBC count is called leukocytosis. It may be due to:.