What is a normal white blood count for a man

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

A normal white blood cell count is 4.5–11.0 x109/L.

White blood cells (leukocytes) are types of cells in the blood and in the lymph system. There are several different kinds of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils). White blood cells are created in the bone marrow and function as part of the immune system. Many things may cause the white blood cell count to go up (leukocytosis) or down (leukopenia), such as infection, leukemia, certain other medical conditions, and certain medications.

Most commonly, white blood cell count increases when there is an infection in the body. Leukopenia can be dangerous because it means the immune system is weaker. Leukocytosis also indicates something dangerous may be going on in the body. The white blood cell count can be brought back to normal by treating the underlying cause.

Get $15 off your first multivitamin order

Our team of in-house doctors created Roman Daily to target common nutrition gaps in men with scientifically backed ingredients and dosages.

Learn more

In medicine, using the term “normal” can sometimes be off-putting. Saying something is “normal” implies that everything else is “abnormal.” Additionally, saying something is “normal” may not be accurate, since something that is “normal” for you may not be “normal” for somebody else. Therefore, instead of saying certain values are “normal,” alternative terminology may be to say that these values are “healthy” or “within the reference range.”

Additionally, some values have well-defined cutoffs, while others do not. For example, when looking at hemoglobin A1c levels, a value of 6.5 or greater is always diagnostic of diabetes. On the other hand, when looking at testosterone levels, some use cutoffs of 270–1,070 ng/dL while others use cutoffs of 300–1,000 ng/dL.

The information above represents values that are commonly used as cutoffs. However, depending on the specific source you’re looking at or the laboratory you go to, their values may be a little different.

Does this test have other names?

WBC count, leukocyte count

What is this test?

This test measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. White blood cells are also called leukocytes.

Your bone marrow makes white blood cells and release them into the bloodstream. White blood cells help you fight infection. They are part of your body's immune system, which keeps you healthy and makes you well when you get sick. White blood cells work to destroy any foreign virus, fungus, or bacteria that enter your body.

When you get sick, your white blood cell count is higher than normal. This is because your body is releasing more of these cells to fight the infection. But if you have certain illnesses like HIV or cancer, your white blood cell count can drop to very low levels. It can also drop if you are on medicine that weakens your immune system. This includes medicines, such as chemotherapy.

White blood cells are divided into 5 main types:

  • Neutrophils

  • Basophils

  • Lymphocytes

  • Monocytes

  • Eosinophils

This test measures the total count of all types of white blood cells. It does not measure the levels of each type of white blood cells. 

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test to find out if you have an infection or illness. If your immune system is weakened by medicine or illness, you may also need this test to see if your white blood cell count is too low. If it is, even a simple infection could be very harmful to your body.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

You may also have these tests:

  • Differential WBC count. This blood test measures the amount of each type of white blood cell.

  • Complete blood count (CBC). This measures all of the major blood cells, including white blood cells.

  • Neutrophil test. This may be done to check for neutropenia. If you have neutropenia, it means your neutrophil count is low and you can easily get an infection. 

  • Bacterial and viral cultures. Your healthcare provider may also send samples of your blood, urine, sputum, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to the lab to check for bacteria and viruses.

  • Imaging tests. You may have imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to look for sources of infection.

  • Biopsy. If your healthcare provider thinks you may have a type of blood cancer, you may need a biopsy to help figure out the cause of your abnormal WBC values.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Normal white blood cell counts are:

  • 9,000 to 30,000/mm3 for babies 0 to 2 weeks old

  • 5,000 to 21,000/mm3 for babies 2 to 8 weeks old

  • 5,000 to 19,000/mm3 for children 2 months to 6 years old

  • 4,800 to 10,800/mm3 for children 6 to 18 years old

  • 4,500 to 10,500/mm3 for adults

Test results that are higher than normal may mean that you have an infection or illness that your body is fighting. Test results that are lower than normal may mean that your immune system isn't working as well as it should. This means that even a small infection could cause serious health problems. 

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Infants usually have one of their heels stuck with a needle to collect a few drops of blood. 

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

What might affect my test results?

Some medicines may affect your test results. Tell your healthcare provider about treatments you are getting, medicines you are taking, or recent illnesses you've had. 

How do I get ready for this test?

You can probably eat, drink, and take your medicine as usual, but check with your healthcare provider. Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. 

What is an alarming white blood cell count?

How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.

What level of white blood cells indicates cancer?

The WBC count range for people with CML is much higher than normal levels. The median WBC count among people with CML is 100,000/μl , but it can climb higher. Some sources note that people with acute or chronic leukemia may have a WBC count in the 100,000–400,000 range.

Is 3.7 WBC count too low?

Possible Causes A white blood cell count of less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood is considered low.

What is the average blood count for a man?

Results.