I could use some help understanding white blood cell tests?

[Pray]

Hello Everyone,

I have had 2 different blood work tests on me 4 days apart. Just got the results.

1st. Dr.- white cells are low should be 5 to 10 thousand and mine were 4050
a little low.

2nd Dr. white cells are low 2.8 when it should be 4. 5 or better.


What tests are these and what is the difference? Any advice is appreciated!

[Becky]

The white blood cells are tested and they look for 2 things.

1. the total amount of white blood cells - this is done in micoliters and that is what the 4050 is. The 2.8 number is in cm (3) - centimeters cubed.

2. They also do a differential which is how many of the 5 types of white blood cells is present in as far as white blood cells are concerned, 70% are neutrophils, 2 % are basophils etc.

So what concerns the doctors when our count is low is that 70% are neutrophils so they are the lowest because they are the biggest component.

I hoped this helped alittle bit as it is confusing and they can report the # different ways. I guess the bottom line is that low is low.

[Pray]

Thank you Becky, for responding and yes it does make me understand more about them!