Good afternoon. I just got discharged from the hospital. I have bacteremia, proved by culturing. I am on home health care for antibiotic infusion weekly. I am interested in WBC. Apparently, at its peak, my white count was 18.6. What is considered normal, please? . Thank you. Neal Gilbert Centennial, CO
Hello, The normal number of WBC in the blood is 4,500-10,000 white blood cells/MCL.  These cells play an important role in the immune system by identifying and destroying pathogens (like viruses, bacteria, or fungi). We have five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes, neutrophils. A high white blood cell count may indicate:-infection (like You have),-inflammatory disease (like rheumatoid arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)- leukemia-smoking- stress-allergy, etc. Please note that Chat Doctor.  These are: corticosteroids, heparin or beta a