cbc · WBC
White Blood Cell Count
The total count of infection-fighting white blood cells. It rises with infection, inflammation, or stress and falls with certain medications or marrow issues. The differential (which cell types) adds the detail.
This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.
Typical reference range
| Group | General range |
|---|---|
| Adults | 4.5 – 11 10^3/uL |
Units: 10^3/uL. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.
What high White Blood Cell Count can mean
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Physical/emotional stress
- Smoking
- Some medications (steroids)
What low White Blood Cell Count can mean
- Viral infections
- Some medications/chemotherapy
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bone marrow problems