A lack of white blood cells can lead to decreased immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
White blood cells, or white blood cells, are a part of the Blood Image.
A blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a laboratory test used to measure and analyze various components of blood. A blood count may include the following measurements:
Number of blood cells:
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): This provides information about the amount of oxygen transported by the blood.
- White blood cells (leukocytes): This provides insight into the immune system and its ability to fight infections.
- Platelets (thrombocytes): These play a role in blood clotting and are monitored to detect bleeding disorders.
- Hemoglobin level (Hb): Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Measuring hemoglobin levels provides information about the oxygen capacity of the blood.
- Hematocrit (Ht or Hct): This indicates the volume of red blood cells in the blood relative to total blood volume. It is an important indicator of blood viscosity.
- Mean red blood cell volume (MCV): This measures the average size of red blood cells. It can help diagnose various forms of anemia.
- Mean hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells (MCHC): this shows the mean concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
- Red blood cell distribution width (RDW): This provides information on the variability in size of red blood cells.
- Leukocyte differentiation: This shows the different types of white blood cells and their numbers, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
A blood count is a valuable test used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, such as anemia, infections, inflammation, blood clotting disorders and leukemia. Abnormalities in the values of these blood components can provide clues to health problems and help determine appropriate treatment.
If your blood count results may indicate a serious illness, you will always be called before receiving the results for consultation.
A lack of white blood cells, also known as leukopenia, can lead to decreased immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
Complaints and symptoms that may occur with leukopenia include:
- Increased susceptibility to infections: People with too few white blood cells have difficulty fighting bacterial, viral and fungal infections. They may become more frequently and severely ill.
- Fever: A persistent fever may be a sign of an infection that is not being adequately fought by the immune system.
Sore throat: Recurrent sore throat may occur, especially as a result of bacterial infections. - Prolonged colds: Colds can last longer than usual and become more severe.
- Mouth sores: Developing sores in the mouth, called ulcers, can be a sign of an impaired immune response.
- Skin infections: White blood cells play a crucial role in protecting the skin from infection. Deficiency can lead to frequent skin infections.
- Weight loss and fatigue: Persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss may occur due to persistent infections.
- Bleeding gums and bruising: Reduced white blood cells can also result in changes in platelets, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding gums.
- Sometimes no symptoms: In some cases, leukopenia may be asymptomatic and not noticed until blood tests.
The cause of too few white blood cells:
Leukopenia can result from several causes, including genetic factors, medication side effects, radiation therapy, autoimmune diseases and bone marrow disorders.
If you suspect you have leukopenia or are experiencing symptoms that indicate impaired immune function, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment to strengthen the immune system.
