What Is the Meaning of a Low White Blood Cell Count?

Five main types of white blood cells (WBCs) circulate in your body, and all of these cells protect you from disease-causing agents. Thus, low white blood cells decrease your protection against diseases.

It is important to understand and monitor your white blood cell count---by taking blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and WBC Differential Count Test---to keep track of your health status, especially when you're undergoing medical treatments.

Facts

• The white blood cells or leukocytes are blood components that protect your body against foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Through blood tests, the amount of leukocytes in your body is measured and this is known as white blood cell count or leukocyte count.

  Normally, your WBC count fluctuates, depending on your health status. For instance, a low WBC count may indicate a condition that affects your bone marrow, which is responsible for WBC production.

Normal Values

• In general, the normal values for white blood cell count, as stated in Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, "is 4,500-10,000 white blood cells per microliter (mcL)." However, you should consult your doctor about the result of your blood tests because laboratories may have different reference ranges or normal values for each test. If the result of your blood test falls out of range, for instance, you have 2,500 mcL white blood count, you will be monitored for further health assessment.

Causes

• The common causes of low white blood cell count include bone marrow infection, tumor or cancerous bone marrow cells and chemotherapy (use of chemicals for destroying cancer cells). Furthermore, a low white blood cell count, as published in the Medical Encyclopedia of the University of Maryland Medical Center, may be due to "collagen-vascular diseases, disease of the liver or spleen and radiation therapy or exposure."

Symptoms

• The common symptoms of low WBC count, according to Tennessee Oncology, are "infection and fever." These are general symptoms that may also indicate other diseases, hence, it is best to consult your doctor and, if ordered, take blood tests for confirmation.

Significance

• Monitoring the amount of white blood cells circulating in your body is important because of WBC's protective function against life-threatening conditions. In particular, a low WBC count compromises your health and increases your vulnerability to common infectious diseases. Moreover, keeping track of the results of your blood tests will help you better understand your condition and if needed, in treatment planning and decision-making.