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A WBC count measures the number of white blood cells in a sample
of blood. It is a valuable diagnostic tool for a number of diseases
that is usually ordered as part of a complete blood count
This test is normally performed to detect an infection or inflammation.
A normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcl
(cells per microliter) of blood.
Abnormally low numbers of white blood cells may be caused by:
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bone marrow failure
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a bone marrow tumor
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a substance in the body that is toxic to these cells
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collagen-vascular diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or
systemic lupus erythematosus
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liver disease
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spleen disease
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radiation
Abnormally high numbers of white blood cells may be caused by:
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