White blood cells

White blood cells protect the body against infection. Types of white blood cells include neutrophils, banded neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils.

Each type of white blood cell plays a different role in protecting the body. The numbers of each type of white blood cells give important information about the immune system. Too many or too few of the different types of white blood cells can be a sign of an infection, an allergic or toxic reaction to medicines or chemicals, and many conditions, such as leukemia.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerBrian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology

Current as ofMay 3, 2017

Current as of: May 3, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology