Lab Name:
White Blood Cell
What is White Blood Cell (WBC) in terms of Nursing Labs?
White blood cells (WBCs) are created in the bone marrow. Their primary function is to defend the body against infection. There are various types of WBCs which have different shapes and functions. Decreased WBC count is called Leukopenia and increased WBC count is called Leukocytosis.
What would cause increased levels of White Blood Cell?
- Infection/inflammation
- Leukemic Neoplasia
- Trauma/stress
- Tissue necrosis
- Pregnancy
- Cushing Disease
- Asthma
- Allergic reaction
What would cause decreased levels of White Blood Cell?
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Anemia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Chemotherapy/radiation
- Overwhelming infections (WBCs are all used up)
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Date Published - Aug 23, 2016
Date Modified - Apr 17, 2019
