WBC stands for white blood cell in its entire form. White blood cells (WBC) are also known as leukocytes or white blood corpuscles. WBCs make up 1% of the total blood volume and are colourless because of the absence of haemoglobin. They act as a line of defence for the human body against all infections. The foreign invaders like fungi, viruses, and bacteria that infect the human body are recognized and neutralised by antibodies, a separate type of protein produced by WBC. The body's WBC count is utilised to make a variety of medical diagnoses. A low WBC count can cause illnesses.
WBCs are classified as:
1. Basophils: Immune system's warning system against infectious elements.
2. Eosinophils: Attack and destroy cancer cells and parasites.
3. Lymphocytes: Antibodies against bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses are produced by these cells.
4. Monocytes: Assist in the destruction of germs.
5. Neutrophils: Bacteria and fungi are killed and digested by neutrophils.
WBCs are necessary for immunity against diseases. The WBC performs the following crucial tasks:
· It takes in foreign substances that make the body sick.
· It aids in the creation of antibodies.
· It builds proteins.
· It indicates if chemotherapy is successful.
The number of white blood cells in the blood is measured by the WBC count. It is an important indicator of underlying medical issues. WBC counts should be between 4,500 and 11,000 per mm3 of blood. WBC count is low (leukopenia) when it falls below 4,500 per mm3 of blood. Over 11,000 WBC per mm3 of blood is a high WBC count and is termed as leukocytosis. The WBC count aids in the diagnosis of illnesses like autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, blood disorders, and tuberculosis.
A low WBC count could be a result of rashes, allergies, bone marrow disease or autoimmune disease. WBC levels can raise due to infections, cancer, allergies and asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pregnancy, trauma, or exercise.