Question 1

What is leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis is an elevated white blood cell count in the blood, typically above 11,000 cells per microliter. It is caused by infections, inflammation, certain cancers like leukemia, physical or emotional stress, or immune system disorders. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important test for diagnosing leukocytosis and identifying which white blood cell types are elevated.

Question 2

What causes leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis is caused by infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, physical or emotional stress, allergic reactions, or medications like corticosteroids. Your body produces more white blood cells as a defense mechanism to fight off pathogens or respond to tissue damage. Sometimes leukocytosis can also result from bone marrow disorders that cause overproduction of white blood cells.

Question 3

What is the best test for leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important test for leukocytosis because it measures your total white blood cell count and breaks down the specific types of white blood cells that are elevated, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This detailed breakdown helps doctors determine whether your elevated white blood cell count is due to a bacterial infection (high neutrophils), viral infection (high lymphocytes), allergic reaction (high eosinophils), or a blood disorder like leukemia. The differential count provides critical information for identifying the underlying cause and determining the appropriate treatment approach.

Question 4

When should I get tested for leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have persistent fever, frequent infections, unexplained fatigue or weakness, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes. Testing is also important if you have a known inflammatory condition that needs monitoring, if you are experiencing symptoms of infection that are not improving, or if you have a family history of blood disorders. Since leukocytosis often has no obvious symptoms, routine blood work during physical exams can catch it early before complications develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis itself often causes no symptoms and is typically discovered through routine blood work. However, you may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause, such as fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, difficulty breathing, pain or tenderness in the affected area, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or easy bruising and bleeding. Some people notice swollen lymph nodes, frequent infections, or a general feeling of being unwell. The specific symptoms depend on what is causing your white blood cell count to rise.

Question 6

Who is at risk for leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can develop leukocytosis, but certain groups are at higher risk, including people with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn disease, those with frequent or severe infections, individuals taking corticosteroid medications, smokers, people under significant physical or emotional stress, and those with a family history of blood disorders. People with weakened immune systems, cancer patients undergoing treatment, and those recovering from surgery or trauma are also more likely to have elevated white blood cell counts.

Question 7

What happens if leukocytosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated leukocytosis can lead to serious complications depending on the underlying cause. Severe infections can spread to the bloodstream causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Chronic inflammation can damage organs over time. If leukocytosis is caused by blood cancers like leukemia, delayed treatment can allow the disease to progress, making it harder to treat. Extremely high white blood cell counts can cause leukostasis, where blood cells clump together and block small blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke, organ damage, or breathing problems. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause is essential.

Question 8

Can leukocytosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, leukocytosis is primarily diagnosed with a blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential. This test measures the total number of white blood cells in your blood and identifies which specific types are elevated. A white blood cell count above 11,000 cells per microliter is generally considered leukocytosis, though the normal range can vary slightly between laboratories. The differential count shows the proportions of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, which helps your doctor determine what is causing the elevated count and whether additional testing is needed.

Question 9

How is leukocytosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for leukocytosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than the elevated white blood cell count itself. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections typically resolve on their own with supportive care. Inflammatory conditions may require anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressive drugs. If medications like corticosteroids are causing the elevation, your doctor may adjust the dosage or switch to alternative treatments. Leukocytosis caused by blood cancers requires specialized treatment including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation. In some cases, no treatment is needed if the elevation is temporary due to stress or a minor infection.

Question 10

How can I prevent leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent leukocytosis, you can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene to avoid infections, managing chronic inflammatory conditions with your doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling, and getting recommended vaccinations to prevent serious infections. Regular check-ups and blood work can help detect elevated white blood cell counts early, allowing for prompt treatment of underlying causes. If you take medications that affect white blood cell counts, follow your doctor's monitoring recommendations carefully.

Question 11

What can I do at home for leukocytosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on supporting your overall health and addressing the underlying cause. Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from infection or stress, stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, eat a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to support immune function, and practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both can affect white blood cell production. If you have an infection, complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics. Monitor your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, worsening symptoms, or new concerns.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Leukocytosis Blood Test

What is Leukocytosis?

What causes leukocytosis?

What is the best test for leukocytosis?

When should I get tested for leukocytosis?

References

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