leukocytosis

Pronunciation: lū′kō-sī-tō′sis

Definition: An abnormally large number of leukocytes, as observed in acute infections, inflammation, hemorrhage, and other conditions. A white blood cell count of 10,000/mm3 (or more) usually indicates leukocytosis Most examples of leukocytosis represent a disproportionate increase in the number of cells in the neutrophilic series, and the term is frequently used synonymously with the designation neutrophilia. Leukocytosis of 15,000–25,000/mm3 is frequently observed in various pathologic conditions, and values as high as 40,000 are not unusual; occasionally, as in some examples of leukemoid reactions, white blood cell counts may range up to 100,000/mm3.

[leukocyte + G. -osis, condition]

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