A low white blood cell count indicates leukopenia. A WBC count of 35000 cells per µl of blood or less is considered low in adults. A low white blood cell count suggests conditions like bone marrow problems or vitamins and minerals deficiency.
WBCs and Differential count
White blood cells are detected by the CBC test while the types of the WBCs are identified by the differential test. The types of WBCs in the circulatory system providing immunity include;
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes (B and T cells)
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
- Monocytes
WBCs Normal Range
| WBCs per µl of blood | |
| Male | 5000-10,000 |
| Female | 4.5000-11,000 |
| Children | 5000-20,000 |
- The normal range for women might vary during pregnancy.
- The normal white blood cells count in children varies depending on their age.
Any fluctuations in these ranges indicate a number of diseases and make the body prone to infectious diseases.
Most Important Causes of Leukopenia
White blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. They circulate in the blood and have a life span of 13-20 days. After this, they are destroyed in the lymphatic system and replaced by new cells.
Some of the most common causes leading to a decreased white blood cell count include;
Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders refer to conditions when the body starts to attack its own immune cells. This leads to a reduced number of white blood cells. The cause of autoimmune disorders is not known but genetic factors and body weight plays an important role in the disorder.
Some of these diseases causing leukopenia include;
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Bone marrow issues
Bone marrow is a soft tissue present in the bones. It is responsible was synthesizing the blood components including WBCs and RBCs. Any defect in the bone marrow due to genetic factors, infections, or auto-immune disorders results in the decreased production of white blood cells but increased destruction of the already manufactured cells. Bone marrow diseases causing low WBCs results in;
- Leukemia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Lymphomas
- Bone marrow cancer
Infectious disease
The infectious agents can attack the body’s immune system resulting in a reduced WBCs count. The infectious agents including viruses, bacteria, and parasites lead to infection in the body. The infectious agents may suppress the bone marrow or increase the destruction of the immune cells resulting in a reduced number of white blood cells than normal.
Some of the infectious diseases causing reduced blood cells count include;
- Hepatitis-A
- Hepatitis-B
- Sepsis
- HIV
Malnutrition
A decrease in the levels of essential vitamins and minerals in the body results in a low white blood cells count.
Some of the minerals like copper, zinc, and vitamins like B12 and B6 play an important role in the synthesis of the blood components. Nutritional deficiency of these components leads to reduced synthesis of WBCs.
Certain treatments and medication
One of the most important causes of low white blood cells is certain disease treatments and medications. Chemotherapy results in the destruction of healthy cells along with cancerous cells. This suppresses the bone marrow’s production of white blood cells.
In addition to this, some medications also lower the WBCs count in the circulatory system such as certain antibiotics.
Symptoms of Low Wbcs
Low white blood cells lessen the efficiency of the immune system and result in a variety of indicative signs and symptoms. These include;
- Frequently getting infectious diseases
- Sore throat and fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced body temperature
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin sores and wounds
How to Detect Low White Blood Cell Counts
A complete blood count (CBC) test can help detect the low levels of white blood cells. The differential blood test indicates the individual components of the white blood cells including lymphocytes, neutrophils, etc.
The blood sample is withdrawn for CBC test and the results are reported within 24 hours.
Follow-up
Based on the low values of the white blood cells, the doctor suggests more precise tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the disease.
Other blood tests include viral and bacterial blood cultures, bone marrow sampling, and another relevant diagnoses.
Book your test now to diagnose low white blood cells count. It is a non-invasive simple test that helps in the early detection of underlying diseases within 24 hours.