Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Elevated White Blood Cell Levels Indicate An Infection?
Posted on
Tue, 13 Feb 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 13 Feb 2018
Answered on
Fri, 15 Nov 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : what "number" indicates an infection with a elevated white blood cell count. I understand a normal white blood cell count ranges from 10-11
Brief Answer:
Normal range is between 4-11
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Based on the history you have shared, it seems not of worry some as mild fluctuations may occur however the usual range is around 4-11 thousand.
The common cause of derangements is due to infections or any abnormal production from the bone marrow.
Though such minor fluctuations may be a normal variant as well. Kindly monitor your blood counts by repeating after two weeks and for any signs of fever or infection.
At this moment no medical management is indicated. A urinalysis may be done to rule out any underlying urinary tract infection though.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Normal range is between 4-11
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Based on the history you have shared, it seems not of worry some as mild fluctuations may occur however the usual range is around 4-11 thousand.
The common cause of derangements is due to infections or any abnormal production from the bone marrow.
Though such minor fluctuations may be a normal variant as well. Kindly monitor your blood counts by repeating after two weeks and for any signs of fever or infection.
At this moment no medical management is indicated. A urinalysis may be done to rule out any underlying urinary tract infection though.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
so just because white blood cell counts are elevated doesn't necessarily mean there is an infection unless the blood is tested to determine infection? But it needs to be monitored? How does a patient "monitor" their own white blood cell count?
Brief Answer:
Monitoring means to repeat it after two weeks to monitor the trend
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, it doesn't mean necessarily to be raised due to infection.
However, until source, if the infection isn't known or any other test like blood cultures etc doesn't indicate infection it doesn't need to be treated with antibiotics etc.
Kindly get it repeated after a week or two to see the trend as it is most likely to normalise at it's own due to bodies own defense however it if stays high it may need other tests to look for the cause.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
Monitoring means to repeat it after two weeks to monitor the trend
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, it doesn't mean necessarily to be raised due to infection.
However, until source, if the infection isn't known or any other test like blood cultures etc doesn't indicate infection it doesn't need to be treated with antibiotics etc.
Kindly get it repeated after a week or two to see the trend as it is most likely to normalise at it's own due to bodies own defense however it if stays high it may need other tests to look for the cause.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
