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 B-Leuk test shows the total white blood cell count in the blood. The B-Leuk 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.
B-Leuk test shows the total white blood cell count in the blood. Normally, a person’s blood contains between 3.4 and 8.2 billion white blood cells per liter of blood. Both low and high levels of leukocytes in the blood indicate health problems.
Reference value for leukocytes (B-Leuk) 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 B-Leuk 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.
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Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. It is needed for the functioning of the nervous system and several enzymes.
Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells’ haemoglobin. In addition, it acts as a catalyst in many enzyme reactions.
Folate, or folic acid, is a group B vitamin obtained from food. It is an essential nutrient for humans.
The aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) test measures liver function and damage.
T4, or thyroxine, is a thyroid hormone and its level indicates the activity of the thyroid gland.
Glucose is an indicator of the blood sugar level. Blood sugar affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
Sodium is one of the most important salts in the body. It is essential for life, being a key substance in maintaining the membrane tension of all cells.
TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. TSH is tested when examining thyroid function.
Ferritin is a form of iron absorption and storage. It is a good measure of the body’s iron stores, and low ferritin content is a sign of iron deficiency.
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:
19 February 2024
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