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Leucocytosis

Authoring team

Leucocytosis is an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood. It is a common feature of inflammatory reactions, particularly those caused by bacteria. The type of leucocyte increasing in number is dependent on the stimulus type and chronicity; subtypes include:

  • neutrophilia
  • basophilia
  • eosinophilia
  • lymphocytosis
  • monocytosis

The level of leucocytosis is an insensitive guide to the severity of established infection. Typical values are:

  • abscesses: 11-20 x 109 per litre
  • peritonitis: >20 x 109 per litre
  • septicaemia: up to 100 x 109 per litre - a leukaemic reaction - or conversely, very low levels

Leucocytosis should be contrasted with leucopenia.

Reference

  1. Chabot-Richards DS, George TI. Leukocytosis. Int J Lab Hematol. 2014 Jun;36(3):279-88.

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