what does wbc mean in a blood test

WBC stands for white blood cell count, which is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs, also called leukocytes, are part of the immune system and help fight infections. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells), monocytes, and neutrophils. A WBC count is often included in a complete blood count (CBC), which is commonly used to screen for different conditions that may affect overall health. A low WBC count, called leukopenia, can be triggered by conditions such as autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders or damage, and viral infections, while a high WBC count, called leukocytosis, can be caused by infections, inflammation, and some cancers.