White blood cell count plays an important role in the building immune system foundations and maintaining proper function. The white blood cells are usually accounted for in any blood assessment. A high white blood cell count may mean a patient has an infection, hyperslenism, a bone marrow disease or heavy metal poisoning.

A low white blood cell count could also indicate infection and can increase an individual’s likelihood of contracting an infection. A low white blood cell count may also mean that the body’s immune system has been compromised by a serious disease, a viral infection, alcoholism, drug use, hormone imbalances and anaphylactic shock.