High white blood cell count

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

High white blood cell count is an increase in disease-fighting cells (leukocytes) circulating in your blood. High white blood cell count is also called leukocytosis.

The threshold for high white blood cell count varies from one medical practice to another. A count of more than 10,500 leukocytes in a microliter of blood is generally considered a high white blood cell count. The threshold for leukocytosis in children varies with age and sex.

There are five major subtypes of white blood cells, each with a different disease-fighting activity. The results of a white blood cell count usually indicate the level of each type. If you have a high white blood cell count, you most likely have an increase in only one cell type.

MY00161

Sept. 19, 2008

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