If you need to know which are the WBC reference ranges or you require more information about the role of WBC in the blood, you can visit normal WBC count in the blood
A low WBC count means that there is a low amount of WBCs in the bloodstream and it is called leukopenia. WBCs (White Blood Cells), also called leukocytes, are usually measured in thousand per microliter (µl).
The most frequent causes for a low WBC count are:
The decrease in the total WBC count is usually related to a decrease in neutrophils, a specific type of leukocytes. People with a low WBC count are more prone to suffer from infections. They should avoid cut and burns. They should be aware of a proper disinfection of small wounds.
Leukopenia or a low WBC count means:
A mild leukopenia usually does not show any symptom associated. It is necessary to monitor the level in future blood test to see the evolution.
A moderate leukopenia require a visit to your doctor. He will study your case and he will give you a possible diagnosis and the proper treatment.
A white blood cell count below 2 x 103 per cubic millimeter of blood is usually a matter for concern. You need immediate help attention and sometimes hospitalization is required.
A white blood cell count below 1 x 103 per cubic millimeter of blood is as serious health matter and requires urgent attention.
A WBC count below 0.5 x 103 is extremely dangerous and often fatal.
Some particular health situation and many drugs may reduce your WBC count:
The following diseases can explain a WBC count lower than normal:
WBC count can be increased if the underlying cause is treated.
Your doctor may consider:
You can visit our pages about:
The following values are considered to be above the normal range:
IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in number/µl (microliter). They are an example of a healthy woman of about 45 years old with no known disease and not taking any medication. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances.
WBC Count | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild leukopenia | |||||||
| 4.4 x 103/µl | 4.3 x 103/µl | 4.2 x 103/µl | 4.1 x 103/µl | 4 x 103/µl | 3.9 x 103/µl | 3.8 x 103/µl | 3.7 x 103/µl |
| 3.6 x 103/µl | 3.5 x 103/µl | 3.4 x 103/µl | 3.3 x 103/µl | 3.2 x 103/µl | 3.1 x 103/µl | 3 x 103/µl | |
| Moderate leukopenia | |||||||
| 2.9 x 103/µl | 2.8 x 103/µl | 2.7 x 103/µl | 2.6 x 103/µl | 2.5 x 103/µl | 2.4 x 103/µl | 2.3 x 103/µl | 2.2 x 103/µl |
| 2.1 x 103/µl | 2 x 103/µl | ||||||
| Marked leukopenia | |||||||
| 1.9 x 103/µl | 1.8 x 103/µl | 1.7 x 103/µl | 1.6 x 103/µl | 1.5 x 103/µl | 1.4 x 103/µl | 1.3 x 103/µl | 1.2 x 103/µl |
| 1.1 x 103/µl | 1 x 103/µl | ||||||
| Severe leukopenia | |||||||
| 0.9 x 103/µl | 0.8 x 103/µl | 0.7 x 103/µl | 0.6 x 103/µl | 0.5 x 103/µl | 0.4 x 103/µl | 0.3 x 103/µl | 0.2 x 103/µl |
| 0.1 x 103/µl | 0 x 103/µl | ||||||
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