What does an elevated white blood count mean Meaning and Definition
What does an elevated white blood count mean
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪt ˈdwɛɪt blʊd kɑːnt miːn/
Part of Speech
Phrase
Definition
A white blood cell count (WBC) higher than normal, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, inflammatory conditions, or cancer.
Examples
- The doctor ordered a blood test to investigate the elevated white blood count.
- The patient’s WBC count had been elevated for several days, indicating a potential infection.
Etiology
What does an elevated white blood count mean refers to a situation where the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood exceeds the normal range.
Etymology
The term “white blood count” originated in the late 19th century, when doctors began using microscopy to study blood samples.
Usage Notes
In clinical settings, a high WBC count can be a sign of various conditions, including infections, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders. In non-clinical contexts, the term is less commonly used and may refer to a figurative sense of “fighting off” an opponent or challenge.
Cultural References
In popular culture, elevated white blood counts are often mentioned in medical dramas, such as Grey’s Anatomy and House MD, to explain patients’ symptoms and treatments.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Terms like “white blood count” and “elevated” are commonly used in medical contexts, but may not be as idiomatic in everyday conversation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Normal white blood cell count
- Leukocytosis
- Mediator
Collocations
- a high white blood count
- blood test result
- health checkup
Frequency of Use
The term “what does an elevated white blood count mean” is relatively specific to medical and healthcare contexts, where it is used frequently by healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients.
Common Misspellings
Misspellings of “what does an elevated white blood count mean” include variations like “what does elevated white bloood count mean” and “what is an elevated white blood count’].’