Leukocyte Count: What It Is and Why It Matters

What is a Leukocyte Count?

A leukocyte count, also known as a white blood cell count, measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. Leukocytes are part of your immune system and help fight infection. A normal leukocyte count is between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood.

Types of Leukocytes

There are five main types of leukocytes:

• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Basophils

Each type of leukocyte has a specific role in the immune system. For example, neutrophils are the first to respond to infection, while lymphocytes help to produce antibodies.

Why is a Leukocyte Count Important?

A leukocyte count can help your doctor diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, including:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Leukemia
• Other blood disorders

Leukocyte Count and Infection

A high leukocyte count is often a sign of infection. The body produces more white blood cells to fight the infection. A low leukocyte count can also be a sign of infection, as the body may not be able to produce enough white blood cells to fight the infection.

How is a Leukocyte Count Done?

A leukocyte count is done by taking a blood sample. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the leukocyte count are usually available within a few hours.

What Do the Results Mean?

The results of a leukocyte count can help your doctor diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions. If your leukocyte count is abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause.

High Leukocyte Count

A high leukocyte count may be a sign of:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Leukemia
• Other blood disorders

Low Leukocyte Count

A low leukocyte count may be a sign of:

• Infection
• Bone marrow disorders
• Certain medications

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