Blood tests are important tests that inform doctors about human health. It is the value that represents the white blood cells, that is, white blood cells, which is the abbreviation of the English term “White Blood Cell”, which is constantly seen in the test results of the WBC.
What is WBC?
White blood cells for the human body to stay healthy; recognizes bacteria, fungi, poisonous toxins and viruses and ensures their destruction. In other words, it is one of the most important parts of the defense system.
In a healthy human body, WBC is only found in the blood, but if harmful organisms penetrate the body, it moves towards this area. For this, it exits the circulatory system and ensures the destruction of the antigen that is dangerous for the body.
WBC is a type of blood cell produced in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells are one of the most important parts of the body's immune system. It has an important place in the fight against infections and other diseases that may occur in the body. It is constantly mobile in the blood and is also called leukocyte in medical language. There is a constant production of fresh WBC in the body and has five main types. Although each of them has similar characteristics, they have different duties. This type of WBC, which is one of the most important parts of the immune system, produces chemical enzymes for the destruction of fungi and bacteria in the body and ensures their digestion.
Lymphocytes: The production of lymphocytes takes place in the bone marrow and they are also called B cells. B cells remain where they are produced, but some of them are mixed with the structure of the organs called the lymphatic system, which includes the spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes. Lymphocytes that settle in this area are called T cells and take part in the protection of these organs against infections.
Eosinophils: Eosinophils take part in the destruction of parasites such as viruses, bacteria or hookworms. Especially when there is an allergy, it prevents the infections that may be caused by this allergy.
Monocytes: The production of monocytes takes place in the bone marrow. of white blood cells They make up about 8%. When monocytes reach the tissues, they are defined as macrophages and take part in the removal of dead cells by destroying bacteria in the tissues.
Basophils: Although basophils are produced in the bone marrow, they are found in many tissues of the body. It is the least common type of WBC in blood. It ensures the preservation of the fluid structure of the blood, the prevention of infections caused by parasites, and the destruction of some cancer cells in the early stages.
What Should the WBC Value Be?
The WBC value is very high in newborn babies, but as they get older, it values decrease. Although there may be different reference values in different laboratory environments, the measurement is made according to the amount of WBC in a microliter (mcl) blood.
- Neutrophils are between 55 and 73 percent,
- Lymphocytes are between 20 and 40 percent,
- Eosinophils between 1 and 4 percent,
- Monocytes between 2 and 8 percent,
- Basophils between 0.5 and 1 percent.
What is the WBC Test and When Is It Performed?
If there is a sign of infection, inflammation or autoimmune disease in the human body WBC test is done. WBC count is recommended in cases such as high fever and consequent chills, body aches and headaches. A small amount of blood taken from the arm is sufficient for a WBC count.
This count may also need to be done in patients using immunosuppressive drugs. White blood cells due to these drugs If the relay value is low, it is necessary to regulate the drugs. In newborns, blood counts are performed according to the procedures. The reason for this is to detect whether there is an abnormal condition in the newborn. Unlike adults, blood is taken from the heel in infants. No preliminary preparation is required before blood draw.
What Does WBC Height Mean?
If there is an infection or other disease in the body, it is necessary to defend the body from this disease. means that a large amount of antibodies is produced. WBC above normal value:
- Allergic diseases,
- Smoking-induced diseases such as COPD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
- Autoimmune diseases and impaired immune system
- Stress caused by problems in routine life,
- Joint inflammations,
- Use of cortisone drugs,
- Bone marrow tumors and diseases
- Anemia,
- Inflammation and infectious diseases,
- It can indicate conditions such as tissue injuries and damages such as injuries, burns.
What Does Low WBC Mean?
The answer to the question of what is WBC and how much should it be is given in the headings. Low leukocyte cells is called leukopenia. Some metabolic disorders and various diseases can trigger the emergence of this condition. Exposure to radiation or receiving radiotherapy for an illness can cause low WBC. In addition,
- Imbalanced and malnutrition,
- Bone marrow related diseases,
- Diseases affecting the immune system,
- Occur in the liver and spleen diseases,
- Infectious diseases caused by viruses,
- Deficiencies of minerals such as zinc, vitamins and copper cause low WBC.
Blood values give clues for the detection of many diseases. If you want to lead a healthy life, you should have your blood count done regularly and be examined to prevent a possible disease. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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