Question:
Count of White Blood cells

I took my blood panel today and everything is within normal ranges - except white blood count. The nurse said the normal range is 8-11. Mine is 14. She checked my temperature.. and that was 97.. so no infection is going on. What could be causing this? What would the white cell count be if I did have an infection? Is 14 really very high - something I should be worried about? I have to go back to the hospital on Friday for a re-test prior to my surgery next week.    — Valerie H. (posted on June 25, 2002)

June 25, 2002
OK - im answering my own question here. As you can see, this has been bothering me so I went out on the Net for answers... Apparently the number 14 is short for 14,000. Anything up around 30 could mean lukemia and anything below 5 could mean severe infection. I also read that white blood cell count can be elevated due to dehydration. HELLO - I just fasted for over 12 hours for the blood work and I didnt drink any water either!!!! Im gonna stop worrying about it till the re-test.
   — Valerie H.

June 25, 2002
I am a nurse and the last poster was a little incorrect. Anything below 5 does not signal infection. An elevated WBC count is a sign of infection as well. She is correct when saying the dehydration or increased excersize can elevated your count. However, I would wait a few days and repeat the test without fasting. Just because you do not have a fever now does not me you are infection free either. I hope this helps. Stephanie Teal
   — Stephanie T.