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Any infection or acute stress results in increased production of WBCs. This usually entails an increased numbers of cells and an increase in the percent of immature cells (mainly band cells) in the blood. High WBC counts may indicate the presence of an inflammatory and immune response, or it may result from other conditions such as leukemia.
It is important to realize that an abnormal increase in one type of leukocyte can produce an apparent decrease in the percentage of other types.
An increased percentage of neutrophils may indicate:
A decreased percentage of neutrophils may indicate:
An increased percentage of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) may indicate:
A decreased percentage of lymphocytes may indicate:
An increased percentage of monocytes may indicate:
- Chronic inflammatory disease
- Parasitic infection
- Tuberculosis
- Viral infection (for example, infectious mononucleosis, mumps, measles)
An increased percentage of eosinophils may indicate:
A decreased percentage of basophils may indicate an acute allergic reaction. This test may be performed under many other conditions as well.
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