In the microscopic world that we usually cannot perceive, white blood cells are like guardians of a city, protecting us from viruses and bacteria. But if there is a problem with the guardian themselves, how can they detect and take action in a timely manner?
The examination of white blood cells usually includes two parts: counting and classification. Counting mainly measures the number of white blood cells, while classification determines the proportion of various types of white blood cells. These pieces of information can provide us with clues about infections, inflammation, allergies, cancer, and various other diseases.
1、 White blood cell count
White blood cell count is a basic item of white blood cell examination, which refers to the measurement of the number of white blood cells per unit volume of blood. The normal range of white blood cell count is generally 3.5-9.5 × 10 ⁹/L in adults, 15.0-20.0 × 10 ⁹/L in infants, and 5.0-12.0 × 10 ⁹/L in children. Changes in white blood cell count can reflect the activity level of the body's immune system.
1. Elevated white blood cell count: White blood cell count exceeding the normal range usually indicates the presence of infection, inflammation, allergic reactions, or other diseases. For example, in bacterial infections, the number of neutrophils often increases, while in viral infections, the number of lymphocytes often increases.
2. Decreased white blood cell count: A white blood cell count below the normal range may indicate a weak immune system or the presence of other diseases. For example, certain blood system diseases, autoimmune diseases, or medications may lead to a decrease in white blood cells.
2、 White blood cell classification is the process of categorizing white blood cells into different types based on their morphology, size, staining, and other characteristics. Common classifications of white blood cells include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, etc.
1. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the most numerous type of white blood cell and mainly participate in the body's non-specific immune defense. Neutrocytosis is common in bacterial infections, tissue damage, and other conditions; Reduction is commonly seen in viral infections, aplastic anemia, and other conditions.
2. Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system, mainly involved in the specific immune response of the body. Lymphocytosis is common in virus infection, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, etc; Reduction is common in conditions such as immunodeficiency and radiation sickness.
3. Monocytes: Monocytes are the largest type of white blood cell and have the ability to engulf and clear aging red blood cells and antigen antibody complexes. Mononucleosis is common in infectious diseases, blood system diseases, etc; Reducing is of little significance.
3、 Other indicators
1. Eosinophils and Basophils: These two types of white blood cells play important roles in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Eosinophilia is commonly seen in allergic reactions and parasitic infections; Increased eosinophils are common in conditions such as chronic myeloid leukemia.
2. Platelets and red blood cells: Although they do not belong to white blood cells, their quantity and function are closely related to white blood cells. Platelet depletion may lead to bleeding tendency, while red blood cell depletion may lead to anemia.
Overall, by understanding the indicators and significance of white blood cell testing, we can better understand the body's immune status and potential health issues. White blood cell examination can not only help us detect diseases in a timely manner, but also monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust treatment plans.