my wbc is 3.2

my wbc is 3.2

A white blood cell count of less than 4 x 109/L indicates leukopenia. Therefore, if my wbc is 3.2, it means I have leukopenia, which may be due to:

– cancer treatment, like radiotherapy

– antipsychotic medicines

– medicine for an overactive thyroid

– some cancers, like leukemia

– infections, such as HIV or hepatitis

– autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis (6)

If my wbc is 3.2, it may need treatment according to the doctor’s opinion. Treatment for a low white blood cell count depends on what’s causing it and often includes antibiotics.

* You can enter your CBC test results online and get a personalized interpretation, including your condition in each test, definition, reasons for increased or decreased results, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, potential treatments, drug interactions, etc.

White blood cells (WBC)

White blood cells (WBC), also known as leukocytes, are responsible for protecting your body from infection. As part of your immune system, white cells circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness (1).

We commonly measured WBCs to investigate suspected infection and inflammation. The normal ranges of white blood cells based on age are:

· Newborn Infant                                          13–38    10⁹ /L

· 2-week-old infant                                       5–20

· Adult                                                             4.5–11

Note that the WBC count increase in pregnancy, and can reach 5.8 to 13.2  ×10 9 /L in the third trimester (2,3).

Abnormal results

Leukocytosis is the medical term used to describe a high WBC count. It’s not always a cause for concern; mostly, it means your body is fighting an infection or inflammation. However, sometimes a high white blood cell count indicates more serious disorders, such as leukemia. Other causes may include:

– fever

– injury or burn

– pregnancy

– allergies

– asthma

– a recent vaccination

– some medications, such as corticosteroids, epinephrine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs

– stress

– tissue damage

– acute hemolysis

– hemorrhage

– leukemoid reaction

– heart attack

– surgery (4,5)

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21871-white-blood-cells
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352396421005090
3. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/1201/p1004.html?_ga=2.235351745.1388295472.1577058547-660305364.1508107192

4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17704-high-white-blood-cell-count
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/wbc-count#high-and-low-wbc-count
6. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-white-blood-cell-count/