White blood cells, or leukocytes, are essential for defending a child’s body against infections. As essential components of the immune system, these cells aid in the defense against bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous invaders.
It’s critical to comprehend a child’s normal range of leukocytes in order to comprehend their general health. White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may indicate an infection or underlying illness that requires medical attention.
When parents see their children’s blood test results are unusual, they frequently become concerned. Knowing what is regarded as a normal range for leukocytes can allay worries and give a better idea of what may need to be looked into further.
| Age | Leukocyte Count (per μL of blood) |
| Newborn | 9,000 – 30,000 |
| 1 week | 5,000 – 21,000 |
| 1 month | 5,000 – 19,500 |
| 6 months | 6,000 – 17,500 |
| 1 year | 6,000 – 17,000 |
| 2-6 years | 5,000 – 15,500 |
| 7-12 years | 4,500 – 13,500 |
- The role of leukocytes and their types
- What affects the number of leukocytes
- How the number of leukocytes is determined
- How to take a test
- Table by age
- Leukocytes above normal
- Causes of leukocytosis
- Symptoms of leukocytosis
- How to reduce the level of leukocytes
- Video on the topic
- Lymphocyte norms in the blood: in children, in adults, during pregnancy
- High leukocytes in a child"s blood | Leukocyte norm in children | Causes of high leukocytes in children
- Leukocytes in a child"s general blood test. If there are violations – what does this mean.
- Bad blood test. Doctor Myasnikov on leukocytes
- 5 Causes of high leukocytes in a blood test | Why are leukocytes elevated in a blood test | Norm
- What does an increase in leukocytes in a blood test mean? – Doctor Komarovsky
The role of leukocytes and their types
A subset of blood cells known as leukocytes, or white blood cells, shield the body of a child from harmful external stimuli. Leukocytes differ from other blood cells in that they are diverse and comprise several species:
- Neutrophils are the most numerous group of leukocytes with granules, the peculiarity of which is the presence of forms at different stages of maturation (young, young, mature). The main task of such cells is to fight bacteria, and based on the assessment of the ratio of neutrophil forms, one can judge the presence of various pathologies.
- Eosinophils are represented by cells that also have granules. Such leukocytes are designed to protect the child"s body from allergens, as well as from parasites and protozoa.
- Basophils are less numerous than other leukocytes with granules. The main task of such cells is to release biogenic amines into the blood to ensure certain immune reactions.
- Lymphocytes are a large group of leukocytes without granules, necessary for immune reactions. Such cells protect the child from viral infections.
- Monocytes are a type of white blood cell without granules that can absorb bacteria, dead cells, and other substances to remove them from the child’s body (they become macrophages).
- Plasma cells are the least numerous group of leukocytes, whose task is to form antibodies. Such white blood cells are normally found only in children.
What affects the number of leukocytes
White blood cell counts can fluctuate based on:
- Age. The maximum number of leukocytes in the bloodstream is observed in a newborn, and as the baby grows, their number gradually decreases. That is why it is important to know the age of the child for the correct interpretation of the blood test, because, say, the results at 5 months, 2 years or 3 years will differ.
- The child"s physical activity. After exercise, for example, active play or running, the number of leukocytes will increase for a short time. Also, their increase can be caused by emotional stress.
- Eating. Within a few hours after it, the child will be diagnosed with leukocytosis.
- The presence of various diseases. With some pathologies, the number of leukocytes increases (sometimes several times), and with others, it decreases.
How the number of leukocytes is determined
During a clinical blood test, the number of white blood cells is counted along with the number of red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin level, ESR, hematocrit, and other indicators. Usually, a finger is used to collect blood for this kind of analysis, but occasionally venous blood is used instead, and blood from a newborn baby’s heel can also be used.
The leukocyte formula, which expresses the number of distinct types of leukocytes as a percentage, is calculated individually. Its assessment aids in the diagnosis of particular diseases because certain diseases are characterized by an increase in lymphocytes, while others are associated with an increase in neutrophils or eosinophils. We will concentrate on its changes, though, as the doctor will first assess the total number of leukocytes.
Recognizing the body’s capacity to fight infections and maintain health requires an understanding of the normal range of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in children’s blood. This range can vary depending on the child’s age and health, so parents should be aware of what levels are normal and when to seek medical attention.
How to take a test
The following factors must be taken into account in order for the analysis’s leukocyte count to accurately reflect the situation:
- The child should not eat for at least 8 hours before donating blood, and if it is a baby, then the break from feeding to blood sampling should be at least 2 hours.
- You cannot allow the child to run before donating blood. It is best to come to the clinic in advance and sit quietly in the hallway for 10-15 minutes before blood sampling.
- Try to calm the child so that he does not worry before donating blood and does not cry, since emotional stress affects the results.
- Do not allow temperature changes, so you should not go into the office to donate blood immediately after you come to the clinic from the street.
Table by age
The following indicators show how many white blood cells are considered normal in children of various ages:
Between 10 and 30 x 10 9 /l
Since the fifth day of life
Nine to fifteen x 10^9 /l
From one month to the tenth day of life
Between 8.5 and 14 x 10 9 /l
In newborns aged one to twelve months
Between 8 and 12 x 10 /l
Between 7 and 11 x 10 /l
Between the ages of 5 and 15
Six to ten times 10^9/l
In teenagers older than fifteen
Five to nine x 10^9 /l
Leukocytes above normal
Leukocytosis is the term for a condition where a blood test results in a high concentration of leukocytes and an indicator that is higher than normal. It can happen as a result of illnesses as well as outside influences that don’t endanger kids. Determining the severity of leukocytosis is also crucial for assessment, as it is closely linked to the activity of the pathological process.
Dr. Komarovsky will attempt to address the question of what an increase in leukocytes in a blood test indicates in the upcoming video.
Causes of leukocytosis
As previously mentioned, a high concentration of leukocytes can be seen in situations that are not dangerous, such as following physical activity, stress, crying, fear, taking a hot bath, or eating. The diagnosis of pathological leukocytosis in children is made:
- With bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis or pneumonia.
- After surgeries, such as appendicitis.
- With chronic inflammatory processes in the child"s body, such as arthritis or intestinal inflammation.
- With viral infections, such as hepatitis, acute respiratory viral infections, rubella, HIV infection and others.
- With allergies.
- With fungal infections, as well as parasitic invasions.
- With autoimmune diseases.
- After injuries or extensive burns.
- With oncological pathologies.
- With hemolytic anemia or severe blood loss.
- After removal of the spleen.
- With bone marrow damage by various factors.
- After the use of certain medications, such as hormonal or immunostimulating.
Symptoms of leukocytosis
Leukocytosis often presents as fever, decreased appetite, weakness, dizziness, sweating, exhaustion, poor sleep, pain in the muscles and joints, weight loss, and other symptoms typical of poisoning, cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and other pathologies associated with elevated leukocyte counts.
How to reduce the level of leukocytes
The doctor will refer the child for further testing if a blood test reveals leukocytosis, as this condition indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the child’s body. The child will receive the appropriate treatment as soon as the cause of the elevated leukocytes is identified, and after the infant heals, the white blood cell count will return to normal.
It is essential to know the normal range of leukocytes in children’s blood in order to keep an eye on their general health. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are essential to the immune system because they protect the body from illnesses and infections. Parents and healthcare professionals can identify possible problems early and ensure prompt intervention if necessary by routinely monitoring leukocyte levels.
It is imperative to bear in mind that the normal leukocyte counts can differ according to the age and developmental stage of the child. Accurate interpretation of these values and their implications for the health of individual children are facilitated by routine blood testing and consultations with medical professionals.
By staying informed about these typical ranges, parents can make wise decisions and, if needed, seek medical assistance. By being proactive, we can guarantee that children continue on their path to healthy development and improve health outcomes.
