A white blood cell WBC count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood.
A differential can also detect immature white blood cells and abnormalities, both of which are signs of potential issues. A WBC count can also be called a leukocyte count, and a WBC differential can also be called a leukocyte differential count.
Read more: WBC white blood cell count ». Your doctor may request a WBC count and differential if they suspect you have one of several conditions, including:. Both tests can help your doctor determine if your symptoms are due to high or low WBC levels, which will help them understand what condition you may have. WBC counts can also be used to monitor certain disease processes and illnesses.
No special preparation is necessary for a WBC count or differential. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, including over-the-counter supplements or vitamins, for several days before the sample collection occurs. Medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, can affect white blood cell counts. To conduct a WBC count and differential, your doctor will need to collect a blood sample from you. Blood is typically drawn from a vein in either the bend of your arm or in your hand.
WBC count and differential tests have very few risks. Some people may feel moderate pain and a stinging sensation during the blood draw, and some people may feel sick or lightheaded during or after the blood draw.
If you do, let your doctor or nurse know and remain seated until the feeling has passed. Although rare, some people who have blood drawn can develop a hematoma — an accumulation of blood directly under the skin. If you have neutropenia, it means your neutrophil count is low and you can easily get an infection. 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. A high white blood cell count may indicate several things, such as the immune system is working to destroy an infection, a sign of physical or emotional stress, or particular types of cancer. Pregnancy also leads to high white blood cell count, as levels tend to rise from the first trimester, into the third.
White blood cell levels will also rise in the hours following labor, due to the severe stress the body undergoes. Meanwhile, a low white blood cell count can signal that an injury or condition is destroying cells faster than the body is making them. It could also mean that the body is producing too few of them.
While symptoms will depend on the cause of the high white blood cell count, fluctuations in white blood cell count may not cause any symptoms. Read the article in Spanish. What are red blood cell disorders? Read on to learn more about these conditions, including the different types and examples of RBC disorders. For some types of blood tests, a person may need to fast beforehand.
In this article, learn about fasting for blood tests. Troponin levels in the blood are usually very low and only increase if the heart becomes damaged. Very high levels usually indicate that a person has…. What are coagulation disorders? Read on to learn more about these conditions, including the different types, causes, and treatments. Poikilocytosis refers to an unusual blood cell morphology.
Learn more about it, including the causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options. What to know about high white blood cell count Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Types Causes Other imbalances Symptoms and diagnosis Summary White blood cells are vital components of the blood. Other imbalances. Symptoms and diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M.
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