WBC Elevation

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Specializes in ER, Research.

Why else, besides infection, would WBC be elevated after surgery, if it's not yet been 24 hours? If the pt has no temp or s/s of infection, do they elevate from the procedure and the trauma of the incision, etc.?

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Specializes in OR.

"An elevated number of white blood cells is called leukocytosis. This can result from bacterial infections, inflammation, leukemia, trauma, or stress"

This is from the website below, I used it all thoughout nursing school as a guide.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/wbc/test.html

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Specializes in ER, Research.

I asked the surgeon & he said the location of the surgery & inflammation caused the slightly elevated counts; also he gave steroids prior to surgery. That website seems very handy, I've bookmarked it, thanks!

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Specializes in OR.

Right, surgery is considered trauma. You're welcome ;)

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