Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: Normal Ranges & What's Low

Question
What is the normal range of a white cell count in a 26 year old woman? How low is too low?

Answer
HI Lynne,
The reference range varies depending on the lab, although in general it does not change beyond the boundaries of 4,100 - 10,900 cells per microliter. This is regardless of age or gender.
The question of a low wbc can be tricky. It all depends really on your own body - if, for example, your white count is 8,000 and a test shows it to be 4,200, then, for you, it's now low. Someone with a count of 4,100 may experience no problems, whilst someone else will. In general however, anything below the lowest end of normal (4,100) should be investigated by a physician to rule out any occult cause, i.e. lupus, bone marrow failure, etc.

I hope this has been of some help, if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Best wishes,
Sam