A white blood cell (WBC) count over the normal range means that the number of white blood cells in your blood is higher than what is considered healthy.
Understanding Normal WBC Ranges
A complete blood count (CBC) often includes a WBC count. This test helps doctors understand your overall health. According to the provided reference, the typical normal range for white blood cell counts is between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood.
What Happens When WBC is Over the Normal Range?
When your WBC count exceeds 11,000/microliter, it is considered above the normal range. This condition is called leukocytosis. An elevated WBC count indicates that the body is under some kind of stress or experiencing an inflammatory response or infection.
Possible Causes of Elevated WBC Counts
Several factors can contribute to a WBC count being over the normal range:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger an increase in WBCs as the body fights off the pathogens.
- Inflammation: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other inflammatory disorders may lead to higher WBC counts.
- Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can temporarily elevate WBC levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, like corticosteroids, can cause an increase in WBCs.
- Underlying Conditions: Leukemia and other blood cancers can lead to a significantly elevated WBC count.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can sometimes cause a temporary rise in WBCs.
What Happens Next?
If a blood test indicates a WBC count above the normal range, further investigation might be needed to identify the underlying cause. Your doctor will likely consider your symptoms, medical history, and other blood test results to determine if additional tests or treatments are required.
In Summary
Here is a summary of information about normal range and higher than normal range of WBC:
| Condition | WBC Count per Microliter |
|---|---|
| Normal Range | 4,000 - 11,000 |
| Over Normal Range (Leukocytosis) | Above 11,000 |
