What is the normal range of white blood cell count in thousands per microliter?

The normal range of white blood cell (WBC) count in thousands per microliter is considered to be between 4 to 12. This range indicates a healthy immune response in the body, as white blood cells are crucial for fighting infections and protecting the body against diseases.

A WBC count below 4,000 per microliter may indicate a low immune response or leukopenia, which can result from various factors, such as certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or bone marrow problems. Conversely, a count above 12,000 may suggest leukocytosis, which can be caused by infections, stress, inflammation, or other factors indicating high levels of immune activity.

Understanding the normal range helps healthcare professionals assess a patient's health status and guide further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions based on the patient's WBC count. Thus, the choice of 4 to 12 is accurate as it falls within the established clinical guidelines for normal WBC levels.