Normal range 4.5-11 10³/µL (4.5-11 10⁹/L SI). Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA).
Also known as: leukocyte count, total leukocytes.
4.5-11 10³/µLCritical value: read below
Reference range
Conventional10³/µL
4.511
SI10⁹/L
4.511
Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for White Blood Cell Count (WBC); those can be narrower than the band shown.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC) reference range, specimen, and conversion details
Specimen
Whole blood (EDTA)
Conventional range
4.5-11 10³/µL
SI range
4.5-11 10⁹/L
Conversion factor
×1 (conventional → SI)
Critical value
< 2.0 or > 30.0 × 10⁹/L (severe leukopenia or marked leukocytosis)
Convert any White Blood Cell Count (WBC) result between units on the unit converter.
What is the normal range for White Blood Cell Count (WBC)?
The standard teaching reference range for White Blood Cell Count (WBC) is 4.5-11 10³/µL in conventional units, or 4.5-11 10⁹/L in SI units. This value is measured in whole blood (edta).
What is a critical White Blood Cell Count (WBC) value?
For White Blood Cell Count (WBC), the commonly taught critical (panic) value is: < 2.0 or > 30.0 × 10⁹/L (severe leukopenia or marked leukocytosis). Critical results are reported to the provider immediately under your facility's policy.
Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.
A left shift (more immature bands) suggests acute infection even when the total is near normal.
Neutropenia is defined by the absolute neutrophil count, not the total WBC - work out the ANC before assuming a low WBC means neutropenia.
Neutropenic patients need protective precautions; report new fever promptly.
Correlate with the differential rather than reading the total in isolation.
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