White blood cells are a part of the immune system and fight off infections. The body produces these cells in the bone marrow. Small numbers of white blood cells normally circulate in the blood.
Having a high white blood cell count can indicate an infection or inflammatory condition. There are several types of white blood cells. A rise in each type can mean something different. For example, an increase in neutrophils can indicate a bacterial infection , while increased eosinophils may be a sign of an allergy.
Learn more about white blood cells here. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small blood cells that form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelets have a short lifespan of approximately 10 days. The body typically produces platelets when it needs to repair damage. Some conditions can cause high or low platelet counts. For example, an autoimmune condition or an infection can cause a low platelet count. Having a high platelet count increases the risk of blood clotting. Sometimes, the body temporarily increases platelet levels, such as after surgery or an injury.
Some conditions, such as cancer , also cause long-term increases. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society , normal ranges for the main components of blood are as follows:. It is worth noting that these are typical ranges.
However, ranges may vary by the laboratory that analyzes them. Reticulocytes are young red blood cells. According to one article , a high white blood cell count could occur due to:. Immature granulocytes IG are immature white blood cells. These cells are typically only present in the bone marrow. If there is a presence of IG, it may indicate an infection or a type of blood cancer. As a result, a person will require further investigation and tests. Learn more about platelet count levels here. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Test Overview A complete blood count CBC gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells , white blood cells , and platelets. White blood cell types WBC differential. Red blood cell RBC count.
Hemoglobin Hgb. Red blood cell indices. Platelet thrombocyte count. Mean platelet volume MPV. There are many other reasons that a doctor may want this blood test, including to: Find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or weight loss. Check for anemia. See how much blood has been lost if there is bleeding. Diagnose polycythemia. Check for an infection. Diagnose diseases of the blood, such as leukemia. Check how the body is dealing with some types of drug or radiation treatment.
Check how abnormal bleeding is affecting the blood cells and counts. Screen for high and low values before a surgery. See if there are too many or too few of certain types of cells. This may help find other conditions. For instance, too many eosinophils may be a sign of an allergy or asthma. A blood count can give valuable information about the general state of your health. How To Prepare In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
How It Is Done A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. How It Feels When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle.
Risks There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. Results Normal Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Blood smear results Normal: Blood cells are normal in shape, size, color, and number. High values Red blood cells RBC. Conditions that cause high RBC values include smoking, exposure to carbon monoxide, long-term lung disease, kidney disease, some cancers, certain forms of heart disease, alcohol use disorder , liver disease, a rare disorder of the bone marrow polycythemia vera , and a rare disorder of hemoglobin that binds oxygen tightly.
Conditions that affect the body's water content can also cause high RBC values. These conditions include dehydration , diarrhea or vomiting, excessive sweating, and the use of diuretics.
The lack of fluid in the body makes the RBC volume look high. This is sometimes called spurious polycythemia. White blood cells WBC, leukocytes. Conditions that cause high WBC values include infection, inflammation, damage to body tissues such as a heart attack , severe physical or emotional stress such as a fever, injury, or surgery , kidney failure, lupus , tuberculosis TB , rheumatoid arthritis , malnutrition, leukemia , and diseases such as cancer. The use of corticosteroids , underactive adrenal glands , thyroid gland problems, certain medicines, and removal of the spleen can also cause high WBC values.
High platelet values may be seen with bleeding, iron deficiency, some diseases like cancer, or problems with the bone marrow. Low values Red blood cells RBC. Diet, activity level, medications, a women's menstrual cycle, and other considerations can affect the results. Talk to your health care provider to learn what your results mean. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. A complete blood count is only one tool your health care provider uses to learn about your health.
Your medical history, symptoms, and other factors will be considered before a diagnosis. Additional testing and follow-up care may also be recommended. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is a complete blood count?
A complete blood count or CBC is a blood test that measures many different parts and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells , which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body White blood cells , which fight infection.
There are five major types of white blood cells. A CBC test measures the total number of white cells in your blood. A test called a CBC with differential also measures the number of each type of these white blood cells Platelets , which help your blood to clot and stop bleeding Hemoglobin , a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs and to the rest of your body Hematocrit , a measurement of how much of your blood is made up of red blood A complete blood count may also include measurements of chemicals and other substances in your blood.
Other names for a complete blood count: CBC, full blood count, blood cell count. What is it used for?
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