Typical reference ranges
| Group | Typical range (×10⁹/L) | Per µL (/cumm) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 4.0–11.0 | 4,000–11,000 |
| Pregnancy | 5.7–13.6 | 5,700–13,600 |
| Children 6–12 years | 4.5–13.5 | 4,500–13,500 |
| Newborns | 9.0–30.0 | 9,000–30,000 |
Ranges based on: MedlinePlus; Lab Tests Online UK; Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS. Full references are listed at the end of this page.
Use your own lab's range. Reference ranges differ between labs, analysers and methods, and with age, sex and pregnancy. The range printed on your report takes priority over the figures here.
Check your value
Type the White cell count result from your report to see where it sits against the typical ranges on this page. Nothing is sent or saved.
General information only, not a diagnosis. Your lab's printed range takes priority.
Causes of a high white count
- Bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary or skin infections
- Inflammation, injury, burns or surgery
- Steroid medicines and physical or emotional stress
- Smoking
- Less often, leukaemia or other blood disorders, especially when the count is very high or abnormal cells are seen
Causes of a low white count
- Viral infections, including flu, dengue and typhoid in its early phase
- Medicines such as chemotherapy, some antibiotics, anti-thyroid drugs and clozapine
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Bone marrow conditions
Some healthy people of African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean ancestry have a naturally lower neutrophil count, which brings the total down without any illness.
Read it with the differential
The total is the sum of five cell types. A bacterial infection usually raises neutrophils; viral infections often raise lymphocytes; allergies and worm infections raise eosinophils. See the differential count page for each type.
Frequently asked questions
What does TLC mean on my report?
Total leucocyte count, the same as the white blood cell count.
Is a WBC of 12,000 serious?
It is mildly raised and very often due to infection or stress. Your doctor will look at the differential and how you feel.
Can a cold raise my WBC?
Viral infections more often lower it slightly or raise lymphocytes. Bacterial infections usually raise it.
How is WBC written in ×10⁹/L?
Divide the /cumm value by 1,000. 8,200/cumm is 8.2 ×10⁹/L.
Sources and references
- MedlinePlus: White Blood Count (WBC)
- Lab Tests Online UK: White blood cell count
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS: Haematology reference ranges