When checking your blood cell count, your doctor is looking at the numbers and types of:
- White blood cells. These cells help your body fight infection. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) leaves your body more open to infection. And if an infection does develop, your body may be unable to fight it off.
- Red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Your red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen is measured by the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. If your level of hemoglobin is low, you're anemic and your body works much harder to supply oxygen to your tissues. This can make you feel fatigued and short of breath.
- Platelets. Platelets help your blood clot. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) means your body can't stop itself from bleeding.
If you're undergoing certain cancer treatments that could cause low blood cell counts, your doctor will likely monitor your blood cell counts regularly using a test called a complete blood count (CBC). Low blood cell counts are detected by examining a blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
| What's being counted | What's normal | What's low |
|---|---|---|
| White blood cells (WBC) | 5,000-10,000 | Below normal, especially below 1,000 |
| Hemoglobin | 14.5-18 for men 12-16 for women | Below 10 |
| Platelets | 150,000-450,000 | Below 50,000 |
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