If you have low white cell counts and develop a fever, you'll know to contact your doctor promptly.If you have anemia as a result of low red cell counts, you'll understand why you have low energy levels or are unable to carry out everyday tasks.Some people want to know the results of their blood count tests so they can take preventive measures to protect their health or to what's causing their symptoms.
Should You Keep Track of Your Blood Counts? Blood counts usually return to normal after treatment is complete. If you're currently receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, drug therapy or radiation, your blood counts will be affected. How Blood Cancers Affect Blood Countsīlood cancers can affect blood cell counts in a number of ways, either lowering or increasing measurements. Until children are more than 4 years old, they have a higher percentage of lymphocytes in their blood than adults do. The five types of white cells and the approximate percentage they make up in the blood are: A white cell (WBC) differential also checks whether white cells appear normal. White Cell Differentialĭifferential count, sometimes referred to as a "diff," is a breakdown of the different types of white cells. Normal Ranges of Blood Cell Counts for Healthy Adults and ChildrenġThe ratio of hematocrit to hemoglobin is about 3 to 1.ĢNormal ranges for women who are pregnant differ from these ranges.ģThese ranges are for children from infancy to adolescence speak with your doctor to find out specific values for infants and young children. Nearly all lab reports include a "normal" range or high and low "values" to help you understand test results. The cell counts are compared to those of healthy individuals of similar age and sex. Normal blood counts fall within a range established by testing healthy men and women of all ages.
Hematocrit refers to the amount of your blood that's occupied by red cells.