White blood cells fight viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other intruders that threaten the health of the body.
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, act as anti-inflammatories in the body and are an important part of the immune system. The LPK test shows the total white blood cell count in the blood. The LPK value is calculated in connection with the blood count.
There are five types of leukocytes:
White blood cells play a crucial role in our health. White blood cells fight viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other intruders that threaten the health of the body. Their number increases with inflammation.
White blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, from where they circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. Most of the white blood cells are stored in tissues, and only a small portion of them circulate in the blood. Nevertheless, blood tests can provide a good picture of the overall white blood cell situation in the body.
Reference value for leukocytes (LPK) in adult men and women is between 3,5 – 8,8 x109/L.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
A high LPK value may be due to various reasons. An increase in the number of white blood cells is called leukocytosis.
Slightly elevated values are quite common. The values can be elevated due to pregnancy, physical or mental exertion or stress, eating, smoking, or cortisone medication for example.
The number of leukocytes increases in many diseases, especially in bacterial infections. Other common causes of elevated leukocyte values include the common cold, influenza and other viral diseases, as well as allergies.
A significant increase in the number of white blood cells occurs in several types of leukemia.
A decrease in the number of white blood cells is called leukopenia. A reduced white blood cell count weakens the body’s defense system.
The number of white blood cells can fall for two reasons: high consumption of white blood cells or disturbed production of cells in the bone marrow. Mild leukopenia is seen, for example, in connection with certain viral diseases and recovers when the disease has run its course. The cause of significant leukopenia should always be investigated.
Leukopenia, or a decrease in the number of white blood cells, can be caused by:
Rare diseases of the bone marrow and certain drugs can result in a very low white blood cell count.
Leukopenia usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms. Leukopenia is treated according to its cause.
If the platelet count is too high, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of this condition. Common ways to manage platelet count include hydration and the use of blood thinners such as aspirin as directed by a doctor. In some cases, other medications or treatments may be used, such as blood thinners or treatments aimed at improving blood circulation. It is important to discuss with a doctor before starting any treatment.
An adult human has an average of about five liters of blood. The amount of blood can vary individually and is about 7-8% of a person’s total body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms has about five and a half liters of blood. The amount of blood is important as it transports oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body and helps remove waste products.
Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days in the human body. After this, they are primarily broken down in the spleen, where their iron is salvaged and used to produce new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells can vary among different people and under different conditions, but 120 days is a generally accepted average.
The treatment of macrocytosis typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If macrocytosis is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, treatment includes supplementing these vitamins. If it is related to alcohol use, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is recommended. The doctor may also prescribe other treatments depending on the cause of the macrocytosis.
The rate of decrease in MCV (mean corpuscular volume) depends on what has caused the change. For example, in the treatment of iron deficiency, MCV can start to decrease within a few weeks of starting iron supplementation. If the change in MCV is due to other health-related causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow diseases, the rate of decrease can vary.
A complete blood count is usually taken when there is a desire to get a comprehensive picture of a person’s general health status or when there is a need to monitor certain health-related changes. A complete blood count can help identify various conditions, such as anemia.
Vital laboratory package Man 50+ includes 36 values and provides you with a comprehensive overview of your health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a man over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Woman 50+ includes 39 values and provides senior women with a broad overview of their health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a woman over 50 years old.
Blood count is a series of tests that measure for example the hemoglobin level in the blood. All of Vital’s laboratory packages include blood count.
Vital laboratory package Basic includes 21 values that give you a wide range of information on how your body is doing. It includes blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, ferritin and studies of the functioning of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
Basophils are white blood cells that fight parasitic diseases, prevent unnecessary blood clotting, and mediate allergic reactions.
Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
Eosinophils play a particularly important role in reactions related to allergies, allergic dermatitis, and asthma.
The number of red blood cells is examined in connection with a blood count. In cases of anemia, the number of red blood cells is low.
When suspecting anemia, it is important to test the hemoglobin. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include paleness and fatigue.
White blood cells fight viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other intruders that threaten the health of the body.
Article updated:
23 October 2024