Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
White blood cell count test
The total number of white blood cells, your immune system's frontline defense against infection. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Counts all the white blood cells in your blood. They’re your immune system’s main defense against infection, so the total gives a quick picture of how your body is handling illness or stress.
Why it matters for women
Your white cell count can naturally rise during pregnancy and right after giving birth, so a higher number then may be expected. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, which are more common in women, can lower it, as can some medicines and viral illnesses.
You might check it if…
- you seem to catch infections often or they’re slow to clear
- you’ve had fevers or felt run down for a while
- a doctor mentioned lupus or another autoimmune condition
- you’re getting a routine blood count as part of a checkup
What your result may mean
High White blood cell count: what it may mean
A high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) may mean your body is fighting an infection or dealing with inflammation. It can also come from stress, steroid medicines, smoking or a blood disorder. Your count can naturally rise during pregnancy and right after giving birth, so a higher number then may be expected. Fever, body aches or a sore area may hint at an infection, though a mildly high count may cause no symptoms. A clinician may look at which type of white cell is raised, since that can narrow down the reason.
Low White blood cell count: what it may mean
A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) may raise your risk of infection, and it can result from a viral illness, certain medicines or bone marrow problems. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, which are more common in women, can lower it too. Low vitamin B12 or folate can sometimes play a part. A dip from a virus can bounce back within weeks, so a repeat test may be useful. You may feel fine, or you may notice fevers, mouth sores or infections that keep coming back.
Get started
Stop guessing. Start testing.
Answer a few questions. We’ll suggest tests linked to how you feel, with a clear price for every test.
No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.