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Blutwerte · Marker

Leukozyten

White Blood Cells · WBC · Weiße Blutkörperchen

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Einheit:
x10^9/L
Abbreviation
WBC

The WBC test quantifies the total number of white blood cells in a given volume of blood.

Reference Ranges

Reference
411x10^9/L
4
11
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · x10^9/L

Reference ranges can vary slightly based on laboratory standards and individual factors such as age and sex.

Overview

Übersicht

White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, are a critical component of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against infectious disease and foreign invaders. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the blood and lymphatic system. WBCs are categorized into several types, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each playing distinct roles in immune response. Clinically, WBC count is a fundamental part of a complete blood count (CBC) and serves as an indicator of immune system activity. Elevated WBC counts can indicate infection, inflammation, stress, or hematological disorders, while low counts may suggest bone marrow suppression, autoimmune conditions, or viral infections. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, maintaining an optimal WBC count is crucial for recovery and resistance to infections, which can impact training outcomes and overall health. However, factors such as intense physical exertion, stress, and circadian rhythms can influence WBC levels. Researchers have noted that certain conditions, like post-COVID-19 syndrome, can cause persistent alterations in WBC counts, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of results. Confounders such as recent infections, medications, and physiological stressors should be considered when evaluating WBC levels. Testing is typically performed without fasting, although consistency in testing conditions is advised for accurate longitudinal assessment.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated WBC levels may indicate infection, inflammation, stress, or hematological disorders. Reduced WBC levels can suggest bone marrow suppression, autoimmune diseases, or viral infections.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising WBC counts may suggest an ongoing infection or inflammatory response. Re-test in 4 weeks if elevated.

Falling Values

Progressively falling WBC counts may indicate bone marrow suppression or recovery from an infection.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Stress
  • Leukemia
  • Allergic reactions
Cause

Low Levels

  • Bone marrow disorders
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Viral infections
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular moderate exercise
  • Stress management techniques
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Adequate protein intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc
  • Echinacea
  • Probiotics

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if underlying health conditions are present.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

WBC counts can vary with circadian rhythms; testing at the same time of day is recommended for consistency.

Testing Frequency

Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if monitoring a specific condition.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Emotional stress
  • Medications such as corticosteroids

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the reference ranges for leukocyte counts, particularly in post-COVID-19 patients, remain debated, as persistent changes may not always fall outside established norms. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for leukocyte differentials in various disease states, including osteoarthritis and infection. Additionally, clinical questions remain regarding the specific mechanisms linking leukocyte variations to disease progression and the potential role of novel biomarkers like fibulin-2 in improving diagnostic accuracy.

35 Research Publications

556

Total Citations

24

Human/RCT

2.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

DNA methylation in white blood cells: association with risk factors in epidemiologic studies.

HumanInfluence9.0
332
This study examined DNA methylation patterns in white blood cells as potential biomarkers for health outcomes. Researchers found associations between WBC methylation and various cancers, but noted that more extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings.
View on PubMed
#02

Digital image analysis of blood cells.

Review
42
This study examined the use of digital image analysis for counting various blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs). Researchers found that while automated microscopy analyzers can provide accurate WBC differential counts, manual microscopy remains essential for validating results flagged by analyzers.
View on PubMed
#03

Hypoxemia during hemodialysis.

Human
37
In a study of mechanically ventilated patients during hemodialysis, researchers measured various respiratory and blood parameters. They found a significant decrease in white blood cell (WBC) counts, suggesting that leuko-agglutination may contribute to hypoxemia during dialysis.
View on PubMed
#04

Leukocytosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

HumanInfluence1.0
29
Researchers reviewed the prevalence of leukocytosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. They found that leukocytosis was more common in patients receiving steroid therapy and was associated with increased disease activity, underscoring the need for vigilance regarding potential infections.
View on PubMed
#05

Hepatic Steatosis Is Associated with High White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts.

Human
15
Researchers investigated the relationship between white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts with hepatic steatosis in a large cohort. They found significant associations between higher WBC counts and the severity of hepatic steatosis, suggesting that WBC counts may be useful in identifying at-risk individuals.
View on PubMed
#06

White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts Are Not Suitable as Biomarkers in the Differential Diagnostics of Dementia.

Human
14
This study evaluated the role of white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts in diagnosing dementia. Researchers found no significant differences in WBC counts between demented and non-demented patients, suggesting these are not suitable biomarkers.
View on PubMed
#07

Haematological and biochemical blood reference values for Canary Island camels (Camelus dromedarius), an endangered dromedary species.

AnimalInfluence2.0
12
This research aimed to develop reference values for blood parameters in Canary Island camels. Researchers reported a white blood cell (WBC) count range of 7.35 - 18.36 X103/µL, with variations based on age and sex.
View on PubMed
#08

A Clinical Diagnostic Study: Fibulin-2 is a Novel Promising Biomarker for Predicting Infection.

HumanInfluence2.0
9
This clinical study assessed fibulin-2 as a potential biomarker for early infection diagnosis. Researchers found that fibulin-2 levels were elevated in infected patients compared to non-infected individuals, outperforming traditional biomarkers like WBC in diagnostic ability.
View on PubMed
#09

Cytokine expression profiles in white blood cells of patients with small fiber neuropathy.

Human
9
This study analyzed cytokine expression profiles in white blood cells (WBCs) of patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Researchers found higher expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-8, and TNF in SFN patients compared to healthy controls, which may aid in diagnostics.
View on PubMed
#10

Hematological and biochemical reference intervals of wild-caught and inhouse adult Indian rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Animal
8
This study established reference values for hematological parameters in Indian rhesus macaques. Researchers found that wild-born macaques had higher white blood cell (WBC) counts compared to inhouse animals, indicating differences based on origin.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about Leukozyten over time

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