A normal WBC (white blood cell) count in a child varies depending on their age, as outlined below. These values are typically expressed as cells per cubic millimeter (mm3).
Here's a breakdown of normal WBC ranges for children based on age, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center's Health Encyclopedia:
| Age Group | Normal WBC Range (cells/mm3) |
|---|---|
| Babies 0 to 2 weeks | 9,000 to 30,000 |
| Babies 2 to 8 weeks | 5,000 to 21,000 |
| Children 2 months to 6 years | 5,000 to 19,000 |
| Children 6 to 18 years | 4,800 to 10,800 |
It's important to remember that these ranges are general guidelines. A doctor should always interpret WBC results in the context of a child's overall health and other test results. Deviations from these ranges do not necessarily indicate a problem, but they warrant further investigation by a healthcare professional.
