What Does High WBC in a Blood Test Mean?
High WBC (above 11,000/µL) is called leukocytosis. It usually indicates your immune system is actively fighting something.
Common Causes
- Bacterial infection — most common
- Inflammation — autoimmune disease, IBD
- Physical stress — exercise, surgery, trauma
- Corticosteroid medications
- Leukemia — markedly elevated (above 30,000)
When Is It Concerning?
- Above 30,000 — possible leukemia or severe infection
- With fever and left shift — active bacterial infection
- Persistently elevated without obvious cause — investigate
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.
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