IMPORTANT NOTE: NORMALLY ORDERED AS A PART OF THE COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)

Synonyms: Leukocyte Count; WBC; White Count

Why It Is Done

A WBC count detects dangerously low numbers of these cells, monitor recovery from illness, detect bacterial and viral infections, detect toxic metabolic processes and diagnose/evaluate leukemic states.

Test Overview

The white blood cell (WBC) count indicates the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. This count provides a clue to the presence of illness. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and protect the body against infection and aid in the immune response. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, fungus, or virus causing the infection.

How To Prepare

No special preparation is necessary.