White Blood Cell Count

Also known as: WBC count; Leukocyte count; White count

Formal name: White Blood Cell Count

Related tests: Complete blood count, Blood smear

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

If your doctor thinks that you might have an infection or a disease that affects the production of white blood cells and to monitor treatment

When to Get Tested?

As part of a complete blood count (CBC), which may be ordered for a variety of reasons

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or by a fingerstick (children and adults) or heelstick (newborns)

Test Preparation Needed?

None

This article was last reviewed on March 2, 2008. | This page was last modified on November 6, 2009.

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