what does it mean when white blood cells are high?

My WBC is10.4, is this real high? Does this mean my lupus is active or what? I went to see my new rhuemy yesterday but my gp never faxed them all my labs. I waited for 3 1/2 hrs still no labs. The nurse finally told me my $ 300. appt was going to turn into a$12oo. if they did not fax my records. The nurse was so mad at my gp she finally called them & let them have it! She told them that she was cancelling my appt & making it for this friday & they was to give me my records to bring with me. I went & picked them up & took a look at them . My blood work is a mess!

Hi Danab:

Your white count is a bit high but it's not really high.  When I had diverticulitis my WBC was 20.4 that's really high.  There are things that can affect your WBC.  Inflammation is one of them, infection is another, some medications can make your WBC high.  Ginny gave you a great site to look at.  I'm sorry your appointment didn't go well.  I hope your appointment on Friday goes well.  Take care and good luck.

Hugs,

Barbara

Hi Danab,

My lab's reference range for WBC is 4.1 -10.9 k/ul normal limits. I do know that
all labs reference ranges may not be exactly the same but are usually pretty close.

An elevated WBC could be a sign of infection. Hope your appointment goes well!

Robin