What is the Normal White Blood Cell Count Range?

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“Bleeding finger” by Crystal, Wikimedia Commons.

Diagnostics are always considered to be one of the most important factors by doctors in helping them diagnose certain diseases and/or disorders. These diagnostic tests usually require samples from the body in order for the procedure to be done. And one of the most common samples used is our blood. Blood tests are very essential in determining a lot of abnormalities and irregularities in the body. With the use of blood, we are able to monitor the body’s sugar, cholesterol and electrolyte levels, blood gases and as well as blood components such as our WBC. This WBC or White Blood Cell count is usually ordered by the physician as part of the CBC or the Complete Blood Cell count. But what is the importance of WBC and what is the normal white blood cell count range?

White Blood Cell count is otherwise known as leukocyte count or white count. This information reveals the number of WBCs per volume of blood. This count is usually measured in microliters. The normal range of a WBC is usually bordering from 4,300 to 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter or cmm. Some diagnostics usually round this off to 5.0 to 10.0 x 109 cells per liter. This means that a measurement that is slightly under or over the range is still considered to be normal. But what are its indications when the measurement is way below or above the normal range?

A WBC count that is more than the maximum normal limit of 10,800 is considered to be an indication of leukocytosis. However, a range from 11 to 17 is still considered to be mild. On the other hand, WBC counts that are below the minimum normal limit of 4,300 are now considered as leucopenia. Mild leucopenia ranges from 3,000 to 4,000. So what are the uses of this type of diagnostic?

WBC counts are ordered or prescribed by the physician to be able to determine the present health condition of the body. High WBC count or leukocytosis is an indicator of infection, inflammation and even allergy. Low WBC count or leucopenia on the other hand can indicate the side effects of certain diseases and even medical interventions such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and some immune dysfunctions or disorders. This type of blood test is done by taking in a blood sample usually through the venous supply in the arm.

In addition to these facts, there are also other subtypes of white blood cells included in the CBC count. These include neutrophils, band cells, T-type cells or T-cells, B lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. These components indicate a much specific type of infection or abnormality in the body, which is why they are also being included in the CBC diagnostic.