What is the difference between High white blood cells and low blood cells?

Question

I got an abnormal result of blood test. Turns out my White Blood cells count is low. My dr. made me come in today to take a retest. My Dr. told me that last year my white blood cells count was normal. This is the first time I ever got an abnormal blood test. I had an HIV test in April and it was negative. ever since then I never did anything sexual. Besides HIV what can cause White Blood Cells to be low? How can I get it back to normal? If a white blood cell is to high does that mean anything?

Answer 1

A high white cell count is good, low is not good. White cells are our infections fighters. Too low means you are susceptible to all types of nasty germs. I am sure that the doc just wants to run a test or two to find out why yours is low right now and the cause. Mono is just one common cause, but he will check for other things so that they can get on whatever it might be and treat it.  

Answer 2

No...a high WBC is NOT good.  That means infection, dehydration, possibly leukemia etc.  It depends on how low your count was.  If it was slight, they might just want to recheck it to see if it was back within range.  Many things such as being overhydrated can cause your white count to be low.  HIV will not cause a low count, AIDS does.  So don't worry about that.  You might be normal when you go back.  Don't fret, it will be alright!

Answer 3

There would be too numerous theories to list. I suggest you visit the Mayo Clinic website and type in "low white blood cells".

Answer 4

it could be a sign of an infection or bone marrow supression ,