What is considered to be a high white blood cell count?
James Olson
Updated on April 06, 2026
Moreover, what is a high white blood cell count?
The specific number for high (above normal) white blood cell count varies from one lab testing facility to another, but a general rule of thumb is that a count of more than 10,500 leukocytes in a microliter of blood in adults is generally considered to be high, while 4,500-10,500 is considered within the normal range.
Secondly, what level of WBC is dangerous? A high WBC count may result from an infection or leukemia. A person is at an increased risk of infection if his/her WBC count drops below 1,000 cells per microliter.
Similarly one may ask, is a white blood cell count of 11.8 high?
Though it varies between individuals, a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) is usually considered to be anything above 11,000 cells per μl of blood in an adult. This can be related to: Infection. Bone marrow disease.
Is 12000 white blood cell count high?
White cell counts usually go up with an infection. Adult white cell counts range from 4,000 to 10,000. So your value of 12,000 is slightly elevated. But as with all medical tests, a small percentage of people will have results that are slightly out of the normal range even though nothing is wrong.
Related Question Answers
Is it dangerous if white blood cells are high?
A high white blood cell count isn't a specific disease in itself, but it can indicate an underlying problem, such as infection, stress, inflammation, trauma, allergy, or certain diseases. That's why a high white blood cell count usually requires further investigation.Is high white blood count serious?
White blood cells are vital components of the blood. Their role is to fight infection, and they are essential for health and well-being. A high white blood cell count may indicate that the immune system is working to destroy an infection. It may also be a sign of physical or emotional stress.What is the first sign of leukemia?
The first symptom of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is often enlarged, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin. 7? Other symptoms may come on very gradually and can include what is known as the "B symptoms," including fevers, chills, night sweats, and weight loss.What infections cause high white blood cell count?
The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high:- Viral or bacterial infection.
- Inflammation.
- Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery)
- Burns.
- Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Thyroid problems.