What is the significance of a high wbc count

A microliter and cubic millimeter equal the same amount. Having a higher or lower percentage of a certain type of WBC can also be a sign of an underlying condition. A healthcare provider or lab technician needs to draw blood to check your WBC count. This blood sample is taken either from a vein in your arm or a vein on the back of your hand.

It only takes a couple of minutes to draw your blood, and you may experience minor discomfort. The healthcare provider first cleans the needle site to kill any germs and then ties an elastic band around the upper section of your arm.

This elastic band helps the blood fill your vein, making it easier for the blood to be drawn. The healthcare provider slowly inserts a needle into your arm or hand and collects the blood in an attached tube. The provider then removes the elastic band from around your arm and slowly removes the needle. Finally, the technician applies gauze to the needle site to stop the bleeding. Healthcare providers use a different technique when drawing blood from young children and infants: Providers first puncture the skin with a lancet a pricking needle , and then use a test strip or a small vial to collect the blood.

Having your blood drawn is a simple procedure, and complications are extremely rare. It can be difficult to take blood from people with small veins.

The lab technician may be unable to locate a vein, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may have to move the needle around in order to draw blood. This can cause a sharp pain or a stinging sensation. A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory. Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count.

The drugs that may affect your test results include:. Immediately after exercise, your levels of white blood cells increase in proportion to the intensity and duration of the workout.

Since the amount of white blood cells then drops to its normal level after exercise, you should ideally wait one day after a heavy workout session to get your blood tested. What types of foods will help to decrease your elevated white blood cell count? What you eat also has an effect on your white blood cell count.

To keep your levels in check, avoid eating foods that are high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt such as fast foods. Aim for foods that are high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, fiber, calcium , fish oils, mono-unsaturated fats , and low on the glycemic index. Your InsideTracker Plan will give you recommendations for a variety of foods that satisfy your preferences and provide you with the nutrients you need.

Some foods that have been shown to have an effect on lowering inflammation include garlic, grapes, herbs and spices, soy protein, nuts, olive oil, black and green teas, and vinegar.

Aim to eat at least six servings of fruits and vegetables per day, which will benefit much more than your white blood cell levels. Other specific nutrients to increase in your diet include: Omega-3 fatty acids —Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat or PUFA that is known to increase heart health and elevate the activity of phagocytes, a type of white blood cells that protect you from foreign bacteria.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms High white blood cell count. White blood cells , or leukocytes, are the cells responsible for protecting the body against infection by viruses, parasites, fungi, bacteria and other invading organisms.

In the body tissues and in the bloodstream, white blood cells identify and destroy pathogens usually foreign, living microorganisms that can cause infection. An elevated white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis, can indicate a range of health problems such as infection or a blood or bone marrow disorder. Example of High white blood cell count. As with all blood count reference ranges, what is considered a high white blood cell count varies from one laboratory to another and depends upon both the laboratory equipment in use and the demography of the population.

However, for adults, typically any value above around 11, white blood cells per microlitre of blood is considered an elevated white blood cell count.