What is the term for a low white blood cell count?

What is the term for a low white blood cell count?

• A. Anemia
• B. Thrombocytopenia
• C. Polycythemia
• D. Leukopenia

Answer: (D)

White blood cells are the body's defenders against infection. When their count falls below the normal lower limit, the condition is called leukopenia. In adults, counts under about 4,000 white cells per microliter signal this reduction, which means fewer immune cells to fight infections. This term is specific to a low white blood cell count, whereas anemia refers to low red blood cells, thrombocytopenia to low platelets, and polycythemia to an abnormally high red blood cell count.

White blood cells are the body's defenders against infection. When their count falls below the normal lower limit, the condition is called leukopenia. In adults, counts under about 4,000 white cells per microliter signal this reduction, which means fewer immune cells to fight infections. This term is specific to a low white blood cell count, whereas anemia refers to low red blood cells, thrombocytopenia to low platelets, and polycythemia to an abnormally high red blood cell count.