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White Blood Cell Count
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?The white blood cell (WBC) count numerates the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. An abnormal high or low count may suggest the presence of illness. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and protect the body against infection and aid in the immune response. If there is an infection, white blood cells will attack and destroy the bacteria, fungus, or virus causing the infection.
How is the sample collected for testing?
The blood sample is obtained by a needle placed in a vein in the arm or a fingerstick (for children and adults) or heelstick (for newborns).
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
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This article was last reviewed on
March 2, 2008.
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