UNDERSTANDING IMMUNE-SYSTEM TESTS: WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTT
The immune-system laboratory tests I listed in Chapter Seven, Nutri-Prevention, give your your doctor an idea of how your immune system is functioning. Here’s an explanation of what the tests are, what they measure and what the results may mean. Let me caution you once again not to make a diagnosis on the basis of laboratory tests. These tests must be interpreted within the context of your doctor’s other findings.
As you read through the tests, you’ll be seeing some of these abbreviations:
gm = gram meg = microgram
mg = milligrams mm = millimeters
dl = deciliter pg = picogram
IU = International Unit ng = nanogram cc = cubic centimeter
White Blood Cell Count
The white blood cell count (WBC) is always included as part of the laboratory work done in a doctor’s office, lab or hospital. White blood cells are part of your immune system; they include the T-cells and B-cells that seek out specific antigens, the cell
“eaters” and other immune soldiers. A low WBC is often an indication of an unhealthy immune system. After all, you want to have enough immune soldiers to take on disease. A high WBC may be a sign of infection or some other problem causing the body to produce extra white blood cells.
Results: In most labs the WBC ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 per dl for normal people.
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