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WBC count

Alternative names:

leukocyte count; white blood cell count

Normal values:

WBC: 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcl

Note: cells/mcl = cells per microliter

What abnormal results mean:

Low numbers of WBCs (leukopenia) may indicate:

  • bone marrow failure (for example, due to granuloma (granular tumor), tumor, fibrosis)
  • presence of cytotoxic substance
  • collagen-vascular diseases (such as lupus erythematosus)
  • disease of the liver or spleen
  • radiation

High numbers of WBCs (leukocytosis) may indicate:

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

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