Empeiria

Low white blood cell count

Clinically: Leukopenia · also leucopenia, low white count, low white blood cells, low WBC, not enough white blood cells

hematologic MONDO MONDO:0003785 unverified
This describes what this condition typically looks like. It is not a diagnosis and cannot tell you whether you have it -- patterns overlap, results vary between labs, and the same numbers mean different things in different people. Diagnosis usually rests on Leukocyte count, interpreted alongside symptoms and history rather than read off a report.

unverified These explanations are written to be easy to read and have not yet been checked against a source. The ranges and measurement notes on this page show theirs.

definition unverified

Your blood has fewer white blood cells than normal. White blood cells help your body fight infections.

A white blood cell count below the normal range. MedlinePlus gives the normal range as 4,500 to 11,000 per microlitre and calls a count below 4,500 (4.5 × 10^9/L) below normal; other sources use below 4,000 per microlitre.

caveats unverified

Normal ranges vary slightly between labs. Some people have a lower count as an inherited trait, which is not uncommon in African Americans. Many medicines can lower the count.

Normal ranges vary slightly between labs. Some people have a lower count as an inherited trait, which is not uncommon in African Americans. Many medicines can lower the count.

No clinical version written yet.

The typical lab pattern

What the diagnosis rests on

The results a diagnosis is actually made on.

Leukocyte count low — Leukopenia is defined by the white cell count. MedlinePlus uses below 4,500 per microlitre; some studies use below 4,000. The two cutoffs differ, so check which one a lab uses.
Consistent with it

Fits the picture, but not enough on its own.

Ferritin low — Iron deficiency was the most common cause found in one study of isolated leukopenia. Ferritin was part of the workup.
Thyrotropin either — Autoimmune thyroid disease was a common cause found in one study of isolated leukopenia. TSH was part of the workup.
Cobalamin low — Low vitamin B12 is an uncommon cause of a low white count (under 2% in one study). B12 was part of the workup.