Leukocyten Waarde

Leukocyte Count: What's Normal and When to Worry

What is a Leukocyte Count?

A leukocyte count is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in your body. Leukocytes are an important part of your immune system, and they help protect your body from infection and disease. A normal leukocyte count is between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

What Can Affect My Leukocyte Count?

A number of factors can affect your leukocyte count, including:

• Age: Leukocyte counts tend to be higher in children and pregnant women.
• Race: African Americans tend to have higher leukocyte counts than whites.
• Sex: Men tend to have higher leukocyte counts than women.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications can all affect your leukocyte count.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Leukocyte Count?

If your leukocyte count is above or below the normal range, it could be a sign of a medical problem. A high leukocyte count (leukocytosis) can be a sign of an infection or inflammation, while a low leukocyte count (leukopenia) can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder or an immune system deficiency. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Swelling
• Pain

How is a Leukocyte Count Done?

A leukocyte count is a simple blood test. Your doctor will take a sample of blood from your arm and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The results of your leukocyte count will be available within a few days.

What is Leukopenia?

Leukopenia is a condition in which the white blood cell count is abnormally low. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, infections, and bone marrow disorders. Symptoms of leukopenia can include fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of infection.

What is Leukocytosis?

Leukocytosis is a condition in which the white blood cell count is abnormally high. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, and certain types of cancer. Symptoms of leukocytosis can include fever, chills, and fatigue.

Conclusion

A leukocyte count is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. A normal leukocyte count is between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. If your leukocyte count is above or below the normal range, it could be a sign of a medical problem. If you have any symptoms of leukopenia or leukocytosis, you should see your doctor right away.