Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay for Leukocyte Count (or Total White Blood Cell Count)
This test measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, which helps assess your immune system and detect infections or inflammation.
["A WBC count helps doctors monitor immune health and identify potential infections or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22424-6
- Short code
- M meleagridis Ab Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- M meleagridis Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order a white blood cell count test to check for signs of infection, inflammation, immune system problems, or blood disorders. It’s often used alongside other tests to diagnose conditions like anemia, leukemia, or autoimmune diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
The test measures the total number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood, which includes different types of immune cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Abnormal results may signal infections, immune disorders, or other health issues.
Common Conditions Monitored
High WBC counts may indicate infections, inflammation, or certain cancers. Low WBC counts can suggest immune deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, or severe infections. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
White blood cell counts are critical for diagnosing infections (such as bacterial or viral), autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), and blood cancers (like leukemia). They also help track the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like chemotherapy or immune-suppressing medications.
Short name
WBC Count
Frequently asked questions
What does a high WBC count mean?
What does a low WBC count mean?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy