WBC Count: Normal Range of WBC, When is it Abnormal?

The white blood cell (WBC) count refers to a blood test that counts the number of white blood cells present in your body. This test is a part of a complete blood count(CBC) test done in pathologies. The number of white blood cells also varies between different types of WBCs. Therefore, the test specifically counts different types of WBCs in your body. In this article, learn about the normal range of WBCs in people of different age groups. Also, read about how abnormal levels of WBC can affect your health.

Symptoms like chills, fever, body ache, fatigue, and discomfort are common signs of infections or other underlying issues that compromise your immune response. If you are experiencing any of these, it’s time to get a Complete Blood Count test to keep a check on your vitals and blood composition. Give your body a fair fighting chance.

In this Article

1. 1. Normal Range of White Blood Cells

1. 1. Abnormal Range of White Blood Cells

1. 1. Takeaway

1. 1. FAQ's

Normal Range of White Blood Cells

The normal count of white blood cells (WBCs) depends greatly on your age. The levels of WBCs are higher in infants and start decreasing as you age. The normal range of WBCs in people at different age spans is determined by the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC). These WBC counts are summarised in the table below:

S.No.	Age Group	WBC count (per microliter (mcL) of blood or cubic millimeter)
1.	Newborn	9,000 - 30,000
2.	< 2 years	6,200 - 17,000
3.	> 2 years	5,000 - 10,000

The white blood cells are of 5 major types. Each type of WBC is specific for a particular function. The concentration of each type of WBC in the blood is also fixed. An increase or decrease in the concentration of any type of WBC can lead to adverse effects on your health. According to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the normal percentage of each type of white blood cell is:

• • Neutrophils (fight bacterial and fungal infection) comprise 55% to 73% of the overall WBC count.

• • Lymphocytes (produce antibodies, fight infections, and destroy tumors) comprise 20% to 40% of the overall WBC count.

• • Eosinophils (fight parasitic infections) comprise 1% to 4% of the overall WBC count.

• • Monocytes (eliminate dead or damaged cells) comprise 2% to 8% of the overall WBC count.

• • Basophils (produce allergic response) comprise 0.5% to 1% of the overall WBC count.

Abnormal Range of White Blood Cells

The abnormal range of white blood cells in your blood can lead to various adverse effects on your health.

Effect of Low WBC Count

The presence of a low WBC count in your blood refers to a condition known as leukopenia. When the level of WBC falls below 4,500 cells/mcL, it is known as a low WBC count. The lower levels of WBC can be due to various causes or health conditions like

• • Medicines or radiations used for the treatment of cancer,

• • Bone marrow failure or deficiency,

• • Autoimmune disorder,

• • Severe Viral or bacterial infection,

• • Spleen or liver disease,

• • Severe physical or emotional stress.

Effect of high WBC count

The presence of a high WBC count in your blood refers to a condition known as leukocytosis. When the level of WBC is above 11,000 cells/mcL, it is known as a high WBC count. The high levels of WBC can be due to various causes or health conditions like-

• • Cigarette smoking,

• • Use of certain drugs or medicines,

• • Undergone spleen removal surgery,

• • Inflammatory disease,

• • Bacterial infection,

• • Tissue damage,

• • Hodgkin disease, or leukemia

Takeaway

White blood cells (WBCs) are an important component of blood. They are required by the body in an appropriate amount to fight infections and generate an immune response against foreign substances. An elevated or decreased level of WBCs can be due to different factors and underlying disease. The fluctuations in the level of WBCs can also indicate the possibility of an infection or disease. Therefore, you must always be very particular about the level of WBCs in your blood report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• • How can I get my white blood cell count done?

The white blood cell count is done through a simple blood test. You can book your test easily at Redcliffe Labs by either calling our nearby pathology or booking your test online through our official website. We will send out a phlebotomist to your place to collect your blood sample free of cost in both cases.

• • What is an alarming WBC count?

The WBC count that is less than 4500 cells/mcL and above 11000 cells/mcL is considered an alarming WBC count.

• • When is a WBC count test done?

A doctor can recommend the WBC count test if you have symptoms like chills, fever, headache, body aches, night sweats, enlarged spleen, or swollen lymph nodes.

• • How is a WBC count test done?

For a WBC count test, the blood sample is taken. The blood is usually collected from the veins of your arm. The sample is then taken to the lab and the approximate number of WBCs in your body are counted through your blood sample.