White blood cells work to destroy any foreign virus, fungus, or bacteria that enter your body. When you get sick, your white blood cell count is higher than normal. This is because your body is releasing more of these cells to fight the infection. But if you have certain illnesses like HIV or cancer, your white blood cell count can drop to very low levels. It can also drop if you are on medicine that weakens your immune system.
This includes medicines such as chemotherapy. This test measures the total count of all types of white blood cells. It does not measure the levels of each type of white blood cells. You may need this test to find out if you have an infection or illness.
If your immune system is weakened by medicine or illness, you may also need this test to see if your white blood cell count is too low. If it is, even a simple infection could be very harmful to your body. Differential WBC count. This blood test measures the amount of each type of white blood cell. Complete blood count CBC. This measures all of the major blood cells, including white blood cells. Neutrophil test. This may be done to check for neutropenia. If you have neutropenia, it means your neutrophil count is low and you can easily get an infection.
Bacterial and viral cultures. In some cases, if your results are significantly above or below the normal ranges, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders hematologist. Results in the following areas above or below the normal ranges on a complete blood count may indicate a problem.
Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. The results of your red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit are related because they each measure aspects of your red blood cells. If the measures in these three areas are lower than normal, you have anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness. Anemia has many causes, including low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or an underlying condition. A red blood cell count that's higher than normal erythrocytosis , or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, could point to an underlying medical condition, such as polycythemia vera or heart disease.
White blood cell count. A low white blood cell count leukopenia may be caused by a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer.
Certain medications also can cause white blood cell counts to drop. If your white blood cell count is higher than normal, you may have an infection or inflammation. Or, it could indicate that you have an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease.
A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication. For specifics about what your complete blood count results mean if they fall outside the normal ranges, talk to your doctor.
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:. There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:. Differential leukocyte count Diff - peripheral blood. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. Basic examination of blood and bone marrow.
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