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ToggleA white blood cell count of 30,000 is higher than the normal range; so it may indicate leukemia (don’t worry), but since this rise can be due to other conditions. Doctors may need to perform other blood tests or test the bone marrow to confirm the diagnosis. (5).
If you are already being treated for a white blood cell disorder, the interpretation of this number (30,000) depends on previous tests. A decrease in the WBC count indicates that you’re fortunately responding to treatment. However, a rising number may be an early sign of relapse (6).
* 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.
Leukemia is a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow and is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets (4).
The median WBC count among people with Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is 100,000/μl, but it can be higher, too. According to some sources, the WBC count may reach to 100,000–400,000 range in people with acute or chronic leukemia.
White blood cells (WBC), or leukocytes, are part of the immune system that defend the body against both infectious diseases and foreign materials (1). They circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness.
CBC test includes the measurement of White blood cell levels in the blood. Normal WBC concentrations vary from person to person, depending on age and gender:
· Newborn Infant 13,000–38,000 per μL
· 2-week-old infant 5,000–20,000
· Adult 4,500–11,000
During pregnancy, there is a gradual increase in the normal WBC count. For instance, it’s around 5,800 to 13,200 mm3 in the third trimester (2).
High white blood cell count
Leukocytosis or high WBC count can be triggered by:
– excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery)
– Burns
– Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
– Thyroid problems
– Dental caries (cavities)
– Certain medicines, including lithium, corticosteroids, and beta-agonists
– Allergies
– Splenectomy (removal of your spleen)
– Smoking
– Obesity
– Leukemia
– Lymphoma
– Bone marrow disorders such as polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis
Leukocytosis is a normal immune response and isn’t always a cause for concern. Most of the time, it means that your body is fighting off infection or inflammation. However, there are times when a high white blood cell count could indicate something more serious, such as leukemia (3).
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