A white blood cell count as well as a white blood cell classification are commonly used in routine blood tests to determine the presence of inflammation.
The white blood cell count may be increased or decreased, depending on the cause of the inflammation. If a bacterial infection causes inflammation, the total white blood cell count is commonly elevated. A normal total white blood cell count is usually no more than 10 x 10⁹/L, but it can be elevated to 20 x 10⁹/L, 30 x 10⁹/L, or even higher in the presence of a bacterial infection that causes inflammation.
It is also important to pay attention to white blood cell classifications, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Normally the neutrophil ratio in the body does not exceed 70%, but in inflammation due to bacterial infection, the neutrophil ratio can increase significantly, such as to 75%, 80%, or even 90%.
In addition to this, some inflammation is also caused by viral infections, which cause inflammation in different ways. Some of these inflammations can lead to a significant decrease in lymphocytes. However, some inflammatory conditions, such as those caused by human herpesvirus infections, can result in a significant increase in lymphocytes.
The results of blood tests can only be used as a rough guide to determine whether there is inflammation or not, and further tests are required under the supervision of a doctor if a diagnosis is to be made.