Why is there more than one test for white blood cell counts?
A standard blood count calculates the number of white blood cells (WBCs) per microliter of blood. This is also called the total leukocyte count, or TLC. A healthy person has between 4,500 and 11,000 of them. A second test, called a differential count, or "diff," breaks down the count into five different types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Healthy blood is made up of approximately 60 percent neutrophils, 30 percent lymphocytes, 5 percent monocytes, 4 percent eosinophils, and 1 percent basophils. Knowing which types of white blood cells have been most affected helps the doctor evaluate a patient's risk of becoming immune suppressed.
One way doctors measure this risk is with a test called the absolute neutrophil count, or ANC, which calculates the percent of neutrophils in the total white blood count. The risk of infection increases as the ANC falls; if someone's ANC falls below 1,000, he has a moderate risk of infection, while an ANC under 500 carries a high risk of infection.
Is there a way to prevent white blood cell count from dropping?
Yes, if the doctor determines you or the person you're caring for is at risk of losing too many white blood cells, she can prescribe a white blood cell booster, more formally known as a colony stimulating factor, or CSF. These popular drugs are called filgrastim and pegfilgrastim -- or Neupogen and Neulasta, their brand names. It's common to begin taking the drugs at the start of chemotherapy, in the hope that they'll boost white cell production and strengthen the body's natural defense system. The doctor can also prescribe them later to try to bring the white count up if it doesn't rise fast enough on its own.
What symptoms should I watch for related to low white blood cell count?
When white count is low, you need to be on the alert for fever, which is usually the first sign that the body is fighting off an infection. Someone with low white cell blood count has less resistance to colds and flu, so those are definite threats, but other kinds of infections can appear as well. Gastrointestinal infections may show up as cramping or diarrhea, while a bladder or urinary tract infection makes it hurt to urinate. Even a tiny cut or scratch can become infected, so watch for redness, swelling, pus, or tenderness around any wound. Also keep an eye out for sinus infections, usually evidenced by a stuffy nose or headache; rectal bleeding; or signs of lung infection such as coughing up fluid.
My auestion is Why does a healthy person who has not received chemo or Radiation get a low white blood count and how do you get the wite count back up to noramal? Thank You,
i think everybody needed to see it and read carefully and get good knowledge from dis tips and we shall make a no diseases world........
Hi I need your help. My son has cancer and had chemo. He needs good foods everyday while his white cell are getting low. I need to cook nd help my son white cell goes up but how? Hope to hear from you ASAP. My pager is mdesai55@tmo.blackberry.net Thank you Miki
It is indeed helpful to understand the basics of WBC. My wife has the copy book problems and happening exactly as described. It is quite informative. Thx
i didnt know chemotherapy could bring down one's white blood cells, i thought only AIDS does
it was good, answered my questions about wbc, so yes it was good!
Hello senu, Thank you for your comment. Here is an article that you may find helpful about managing low white blood cell count: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/low-white-blood-cell-count-symptoms ). I hope that helps. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
My mother just diagnoses with this low WBC and there is no chemotherapy where she is write now... what is the other option.
Prayers lyndad
Hi anonymous, Thank you for your comment. Here is an article about managing low white blood cell count: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/low-white-blood-cell-count-symptoms ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
Hi ... i have low white blood cells at the moment feeling constantly unwell and tired also have lost alot of weight and cant put any back on..suffer from headaches daily , i attend Hospital but missed my last appointment am a bit worried as i have read it it leads to cancer ...Could anyone email me some advice please thanks xx
just had a 1 week bout of low ( 550) White blood count, hadn't had retuxan since dec. spent 7 days in hospital getting nupegen and antibiotics, infections sprung up everywhere...
Hi anonymous, Thank you for your question. Here is an Ask & Answer page that you may find helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/questions/food-to-boost-white-cell-count ). I hope that helps. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
How can I increase my white blood cell count. Are there any foods or vitamin suppliments? Thanks, B.
I am a nurse a now newly diagnosised with cancer. I found his info to be very helpful.
Being armed with the information and knowing how help is being provided brings peace of mind that provides courage. Hope is never lost when knowledge and awareness are provided.
I have rumertroidarthis and i been feeling crappy lately and it concerns me when they say that my white cells are low . I wish i didn't have to wait a month before i get another test,i would like to know i could do now.
Hi anonymous, Thanks for your question, if you look a few comments below my reply to Jennyorun should also answer your question too. Also if you are having health problems, I encourage you to speak with your doctor about your white blood cell count as you will get the best answers that way. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
WHAT CAUSES SLIGHTLY LOW "WBC"? NO CANCER, GOOD HEALTH! THANKS
my WBC is low after chemo. This artical helped me understand that I am not critical yet. Thanks!
Hi Jennyorun, Thanks for your comment.Check out this Ask & Answer page for some possible reason for low blood count: (http://www.caring.com/questions/causes-of-low-blood-count). Also, we have another Ask & Answer page with suggestions for increasing red and white blood cell counts here: (http://www.caring.com/questions/vitamins-for-low-white-blood-count). I also encourage you to speak with your doctor about your white blood cell count as you will get the best answers that way. I hope that helps. -- Emily
What causes low WBC count? Are there any remedies to correct the problems before it causes any major health crises later.
i have low WBC count. I am not on chemo or any cancer treatments. I appears to be in good healthy, but yesturday I had a blood test and my white cells count are low. My question what causes it? and how can it be corrected. I need honest answers, how can I fix this battle, before it causes serious health problems to my immune system.
Hi reem, Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, many causes for low white blood cell count are cancer/chemo related. If you want to see a few other reasons for a drop visit this Ask & Answer page: (http://www.caring.com/questions/low-white-blood-cell-count-causes). I also encourage you to speak with your doctor about your white blood cell count as you will get the best answers that way. I hope that helps. Emily | Community Manager
thank you for relating every drop in white cells count to chemo. I wanted to know what does wbc count of 5.4 means?and all I got was cancer conditions, not a single normal answer!!
Hi Anonymous, I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time finding the information you're looking for about low white blood cell count. We do have an answered question in our Ask & Answer section about reasons for a low white blood cell count here: (http://www.caring.com/questions/low-white-blood-cell-count-causes). I also encourage you to speak with your doctor about why you personally might have low white blood cell count. Thanks for your question. I hope that helps. Emily | Community Manager
web site sucks it makes you follow limk after link but still doesnt give the cause of low white cells. except that chemo will lower them. i DONT HAVE CANCER AND AM NOT RECIEVING CHEMO. Seems like this web site is just trying to sell you senior care. And how about posting the replies to the 49 comments, Are they real or just filler for the sales pitch? You cant get any info from the internet unless you type in your credit card number!!!
web site has given me a start of hope. Thanks
Hi janet27817, Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your health worries, even with doctor reassurance things like low white blood cell count can be scary. To answer your question here are a few reasons why a person's white blood cell count could be low: http://www.caring.com/questions/low-white-blood-cell-count-causes. Thanks again for your question. -- Emily
My white blood cells are droping and i would like to know why? My dr said it is nothing to worry about right now but i can;t help but worrie.I need to know what is going on. I have not had any varuis or cold latley.Can you give me any ideas on what might be cause in it to drop
learning what to do about low white blood cells was the most important. Thanks!
Hey evan powell, So sorry to hear about your medical issues. While our experts cannot diagnose your issue, they may have some advice on what you can do to improve your white blood cell count. I encourage you to submit your question in our ask and answer section here: http://www.caring.com/questions/new . Thanks for your question. -- Emily | Community Manager
My white blood cells are low. Doctors don't seem to know whst's the problem. They also performed a bone marrow test on me in 2005. I don't have insurance to visit a doctor. What should i do to over come this problem?
Even though my dear wife passed nearly 18 months ago from leukemia, I continue to read all related articles and ask related questions. The articles are greatly appreciated. Although they often raise questions in my mind as to the treatment she was given, they many times give me a better understanding of what was happening during her illness. Thank you very much for the articles.
Hugs Emily M.
I should add that her white blood cell count was always low also . She suffered from fevers every night and had considerable problems eating or drinking anything without becoming nauseaous. It got to the point that she didn't want to eat or drink anything for fear of becoming sick. She received most of her fluid and neutrician thru an IV.
During my wife's short battle with leukemia, her neutrophil number was always low, especially after chemotherapy. I may be mistaken but I do not ever remember the doctors prescribing either filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. If they indeed did not, would there have been any medical reason why they would have not tried them? Their main thing to do was to continue to give her blood transfusions and antibiotics. Could they have done more?
I'm very well informed now. I was begining to get worried when my doctor told me yesterday that my count was a liitle bit low, but having read this article has lifted my spirit. Thanks guys. I don't see were in the article you said that this was only caused by cancer or chemo. One thing I know for sure is that you should not worry too much as this won't help. I have another blood test order before I do it this time I will like to calm myself down. Thanks once again.
Hi sick lady, Thanks for your question, it's a good one. You can find other reason for white blood cell count here (http://www.caring.com/questions/low-white-blood-cell-count-causes) thought it might still not be the full list. I encourage you to ask one of our experts about low white blood cell count in our ask and answer section (http://www.caring.com/questions/new). Thanks again for your question. Emily | Community Manager
what if a person has low white blood cell count but is not taking chemo. what are other reasons this may be.
I have been caring for my wife for the past 4 years.
My white blood cell count is low the nurse told me not to worry but I'm 30 years old and after reading this I'm worried.someone please respond
just came from dr low white blood count 2.9 should i be concerned
i just came from my doc and the news i heard was that my wbc is 2.7 could you tell me what causes that.
I'm disappointed and concerned that your site assumes all low blood cell counts are due to cancer. My granddaughter was born less than a week ago but is being held in NICU because of a low blood count (cancer is one of the issues that have not been discussed). The doctor says the count has improved from 50,000 to 60,000 but it should be 100,000. A simple table listing WBC levels and rating them as to "normal," "OK but of concern," "of concern," and "of serious concern," would be very helpful. By the way, why do you insist on a screen name?
i got a high white 50002 idont know why
I'm not doing chemo, or have cancer (that I know of) feel fine, rarely get sick, but my Doctor just called and said my white blood count was low (3.1) and they are repeating the test in a month. Should I be worried? It was 3.6 a year ago.
what is white blood cells? what is important to body? how i am knowing this? what is procedure to know my total body health? aspecially how i am knowing white blood cont in my body
I am undergoing treatment for a septic right knee (MRSA), did not have any surgery prior to the infection onset but have had 2 surgeries since. I am IV vancomycin 2 grams daily at home with a tunnel cathetar in place but my WBC count this week is only 1.2. Was advised by nurses to avoid anyone with an illness as I basically have no resistance of my own. I have 4 more weeks of medication and am concerned about blood counts....any advice?
i recently got blood done and it said my white blood count was low and my mch and mcv were high? this means?
i think its an interesting information
its helpful
I have been informed that my White Blood Count is low. I have not been advised that I have Cancer . Why would my white blood count to be low? Shall I ask my Primary Care Physician to test me for cancer? I am very concerned after reading your article on Low White Blood Count/Cells.
Very interesting and informative. :D
Very informative
thanks,,,it really opened my eyes to this condition
My wbc is 3.0 Should I be concerned?
My husband is a veteran and the VA hospital treated him for Hep C with Pegulated Rebetrol Interferon several years ago. Now more than 8 yrs later he still has a low white blood cell count of 3.4 and red is 4.26. He is not getting any treatment but is being watched vigilantly by a well respected cancer doctor. Is it dangerous to have a permanent white blood cell count that is low. Thanks for taking the time. I am so very worried about my husband.
This article doesn't address why a person who supposedly has been cancer free for13 years would have a drop in WBC. She had breast ca, radiation 13 years ago but no chemotherapy. Is one to assume then that some form of ca has returned due to the drop in WBC or would there be some other reSons for the drop. Thank you
I heard that eating red meat, such as chop meat, pot roast, steak, etc. and eating vegetables will increase the low wbc.
I recently had a seizure, and the hospital told my mother in law my white blood count was low. Can a person that have seizures white blood count drop because of seizure?
I have colon cancer and now on chemo therapy/ my WBS is 3.3 and doctor says that it's O.K. So your article help me understand the numbers// Thanks/
can there be a correlation between numb left hands and low white count?
my WBC are too low, i do not know why is it like that. I am feeling, i did not feel any illnesses..can give me some advice what to do to raise my WBC back to normal?
it makes me think that it's helpful because it gives more knowledge to the readers!
do not have cancer onlly low white blood count and low platelets. Also have splenomegaly and MD's try'ing to figuring out what is going on. It has been graduadlly going downhill for the last 5and 1/2 yeaars and now they think I am in a crisis state. One MD thinks I was exposed to Agent Orange in the past but I don 't when I could ever been exposed to it.
ABOUT WHILE BLOOD CELL INFORMATION ARE VERY USEFUL FOR ME BECAUSE I AM BREAST CANCER PATIENT.
It is very helpful for me because I am breast cancer patient.
I need to know what causes my white blood cells to be low. They have been low for several years. And I have never had cancer now have taken any chemo. Does anyone know what will bring them up to a higher count.
Hugs Rajuvarikkath
my daughter informed me that my 13 year old grandson was diagnosed with having low white blood cells. He is asmatic but no other major illness. Should we worry? Does this condition lead to other serious illness i.e. cancer or other life threatening illness.
my white blood count has been from2.5 to 3.1 for about two years, I've not had chemo,Ihave to wonder whats causing this,my mother had multiple myoloma that scares me
he answers were very good,but is there any natural foods you can eat to help the counts get higher
My mother has melonoma which as spread to her lungs and brain. She has taken radiation and chemo therapies, but what can we expect as a life span from here out?
Does anyone know what a normal white blood count should be.
My husband has colan cancer and has been on CHIMO this is his 4th treatment and his white cells went down and he couldn't take his treatment. I was hoping to find something he could eat or drink that would help the white cells build.
No, it wasn't a mistake, many caregivers are adults who are caring for their aging parents, and most of our articles are written with them in mind.
YOU REFER PATIENTS AS PARENTS IN A FEW PARAGRAPHS. TYPO?