my wbc is 3.9

my wbc is 3.9

A white blood cell count of less than 4 x 109/L indicates leukopenia. Therefore, if my wbc is 3.9, it means I have leukopenia, which may result from reduced production of white blood cells or increased utilization and destruction. Common causes include: (4)

– 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

If my wbc is 3.9, it may need treatment according to the doctor’s opinion. Treating a low white blood cell count depends on what’s causing it and often includes antibiotics. You may also need specific treatment to boost your white blood cells (5).

* You can enter your lab 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

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes or leucocytes, are the backbone of the immune system and are responsible for protecting against all harmful agents that infect the human body (1).

A complete blood count (CBC) is usually performed to measure the WBC count. It’s useful as a means of diagnosing infection or an inflammatory process. Normal ranges vary slightly among laboratories, but generally include:

· Newborn Infant                                          13–38     10 9 /L

· 2-week-old infant                                       5–20

· Adult                                                             4.5–11

· Pregnant female (third trimester)         5.8 -13.2  (2)

Abnormal results

Elevated WBC, leukocytosis, is typically a normal immune response and can be caused by infection or inflammation. However, there are times when a high WBC count indicates something more serious, such as inflammatory disorders or leukemia (3). Other causes include:

– immunosuppression

– medications, such as corticosteroids

– bone marrow or immune disorder

– certain types of cancer

– injury or surgery

– emotional stress or trauma

– genetic conditions

– labor

– pregnancy

– smoking

– obesity

– allergic reactions

– excessive exercise (6)

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012804230400008X
2. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/1201/p1004.html?_ga=2.235351745.1388295472.1577058547-660305364.1508107192#afp20151201p1004-t1
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17704-high-white-blood-cell-count
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2154209/#:~:text=The%20term%20leukopenia%20is%20often,for%20most%20cases%20of%20neutropenia.
5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-white-blood-cell-count/
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315133#causes