What WBC count range may indicate CML? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What white blood cell count range suggests chronic myeloid leukemia Medically reviewed by Julie Scott, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP — By MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT on June 29, 2022Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer. It can cause the white blood cells (WBCs) to function incorrectly and affect the balance of cells in the blood. A common sign of CML is an abnormal WBC count. A WBC count outside the normal range of 4,500–11,000 cells per microliter (μl) of blood can indicate different conditions, including CML. Most people with CML will have too many WBCs, with most of them being immature WBCs known as myeloblasts. Although a high WBC count, also called leukocytosis, may indicate CML, a doctor will need to perform other blood tests or test the bone marrow to confirm the diagnosis. In this article, we discuss what WBC count range may indicate CML. We also explain how CLM affects other blood cells and look at the other diagnostic tests a doctor may perform. What is the WBC count range for CML Share on Pintereststefanamer/Getty ImagesThe normal WBC count range is 4,500–11,000/μl. Anything outside those levels may indicate a medical problem. The WBC count range for people with CML is much higher than normal levels. The median WBC count among people with CML is 100,000/μl, but it can climb higher. Some sources note that people with acute or chronic leukemia may have a WBC count in the 100,000–400,000 range. As high WBC counts may indicate other conditions, doctors will conduct additional tests to help rule out or confirm CML. Why does CML affect the WBC count WBCs, also known as leukocytes, are an important component of blood. Although they only account for about 1% of a person’s blood, they play an essential role in protecting the body from infections. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside some bones that produces WBCs. CML typically results from changes within the DNA of cells. In most cases, a translocation occurs between chromosomes 9 and 22. This means that the chromosomes swap part of their code. In this case, the ABL1 gene from chromosome 9 joins to the BCR gene on chromosome 22, forming the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, which some people also refer to as the Philadelphia chromosome. This gene change is responsible for the growing and rapid dividing of CML cells. It results in the bone marrow producing excess myeloblasts that do not function correctly. This increase in immature cells raises the WBC count. As these cells do not function normally, the raised count can lead to the development of certain CML symptoms, such as:fatiguenight sweatsunintentional weight lossbone painan enlarged spleen How does CML affect other blood cells The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society notes that the increase in the number of immature WBCs prevents the bone marrow from making healthy red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Therefore, in addition to increasing the WBC count, CML may cause a decrease in the RBC count. Depending on the phase of CML, the number of platelets may be higher or lower than normal. The changes to other types of cells in the body may lead to additional symptoms in people with CML. For instance, if the RBC count becomes too low, a person may experience symptoms such as:tirednessshortness of breathweakness When platelets are low, additional symptoms may develop, including:frequent nosebleedsbleeding gumseasy bruising Other diagnostic tests In addition to checking the WBC count, doctors will likely order additional tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis. A high WBC count is not usually enough to confirm a diagnosis. Other possible diagnostic tests for CML include:Complete blood count: This test measures the number of WBCs, platelets, and RBCs in the blood, as well as the hemoglobin level.Peripheral blood smear: Doctors can use a blood smear to check the size and shape of blood cells, the specific patterns of WBCs, and the percentage of immature WBCs.Bone marrow biopsy: This test involves removing bone marrow, most often from a person’s hip bone. The doctor inserts a needle into the hip bone to remove a marrow sample. The next step involves examining the marrow under a microscope to check for abnormalities and cellular changes.Cytogenetic analysis: This involves a study of chromosomal abnormalities. Doctors examine samples of bone marrow under the microscope to detect chromosome abnormalities, such as the Philadelphia chromosome that is associated with CML.FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization): This lab test allows medical professionals to examine chromosomes and genes in cells. The FISH test has increased sensitivity in detecting CML and can identify the presence of the BCR-ABL1 gene. It helps confirm a diagnosis of CML.qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction): This test is more sensitive than all the other tests above. It can detect very small quantities of the BCR-ABL1 gene in the bone marrow or blood samples. For instance, it can detect one CML cell out of 100,000 or more normal cells. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, do not diagnose CML. However, these types of tests are helpful in identifying enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen, which may occur with CML. After diagnosing CML, doctors may recommend that the person periodically undergo tests, such as a bone marrow exam, qPCR, and FISH. The reason for this is that these tests may help monitor how well someone responds to treatment. Other causes of a high white blood cell count Many other conditions can cause a high WBC count. Typically, WBC counts that are very high indicate a more serious condition or cause than levels that are just outside the normal range. Possible causes of a high WBC count include:infectionvaccine administrationacute or chronic allergiesa heart attackcertain medications, such as corticosteroids, epinephrine, and antibiotics acute leukemiaconnective tissue diseases As many conditions can cause high WBC counts, doctors will likely use additional tests, a physical exam, and a review of symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. Learn about the other causes of a high white blood cell count. Summary White blood cells are an important component of blood, as they help fight infection. The normal WBC count for an adult is within the range of 4,500–11,000/μl. However, when a person has CML, their WBC count is significantly higher and often 100,000/μl or more. This is because CML affects the bone marrow and causes it to produce an excessive number of immature WBCs. This increase in nonfunctioning WBCs contributes to some of the symptoms of CML. CML is not the only possible cause of a high WBC count. Due to this, a doctor will perform other tests to help them confirm a diagnosis. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022LeukemiaBlood / HematologyCancer / OncologyMedical Devices / DiagnosticsMedically reviewed by Julie Scott, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP — By MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about chronic lymphocytic and lymphocyte countsMedically reviewed by Christina Chun, MPH Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells. An increased level of lymphocytes can indicate its presence…READ MOREWhat to know about leukemia Leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It happens when the body produces too many white blood cells. Here, learn about the causes, types…READ MOREHow do doctors diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Learn about CLL diagnosis, staging, symptoms, and…READ MOREWhat to know about chronic lymphocytic leukemiaMedically reviewed by Christina Chun, MPH Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. Learn more about the symptoms and the…READ MOREWhat to know about atypical chronic myeloid leukemiaMedically reviewed by Christina Chun, MPH Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia is a blood and bone marrow cancer. Find out more about what happens to blood cells in this disorder and its…READ MORE