Investigating Low White Blood Cell Counts?

Answer 1

White blood cells are part of the body's natural defense system. These cells attach themselves to and disrupt the physical makeup of any number of antigens that may be present in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. A normal white blood cell count varies from one individual to another. The actual number of white blood cells present in a person's bloodstream is determined by genetic factors. Therefore, there is no single figure that represents what is meant by a normal white blood cell count. However, those with an extremely low count of white blood cells may find it much more difficult to fight off common infections and dangerous viruses. Understanding The White Blood Cell Count Different medical analytic procedures are used to determine a person's white cell count. These procedures use one of several methods to count the number of white blood cells in a given sample of blood. The results also differ in their conclusive determination of whether an underlying problem exists that caused a significant variance from what is considered normal. If a person is diagnosed with a low white blood cell count, additional tests will be performed to diagnose the cause. Leukopenia is the medical term used to describe chronically low count levels, meaning that the individual has an ongoing history of low count levels. A white blood cell count of less than 3,500 per microliter of blood is generally considered to be lower than average. Causes And Recommendations There are several different likely causes for a chronically low white blood cell count. The most common of these is some form of benign disorder, most likely a vitamin deficiency. Other, more serious candidates as the cause of leukopenia include diseases such as lymphoma and leukemia. A very low white blood cell count puts an individual at a higher risk of complications stemming from the contraction of a viral disease. The antibodies in the bloodstream and lymphatic system may not be able to control the reproduction and spread of the virus. Also, certain viruses can reduce the body's ability to fight off diseases because they attack the white blood cells, further lowering the overall count. The most serious of these is the well-known AIDS virus, usually abbreviated as HIV. Other viral infections can cause a temporary reduction in the white blood cell count. This is especially true if the virus is present in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy also causes a temporary drop in the white blood cell count. Patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer are often given supplement compounds to combat this problem.