What could an elevated white blood cell count indicate in a laboratory test?

An elevated white blood cell count is a common laboratory finding that typically suggests the body is responding to a condition such as infection or inflammation. White blood cells, or leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system by helping to fight off pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. When the body detects an infection, it often produces more white blood cells to combat the invading organisms, leading to an increased count in blood tests.

While the other options mention various health conditions, they do not directly correlate with the specific indication of an elevated white blood cell count. For instance, a normal immune response to allergens might not consistently lead to a notable increase in white blood cells, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals or blood clotting disorders would not directly manifest as elevated white blood cell counts. Therefore, the relation between elevated white blood cell counts and infections or inflammation is a well-established medical principle.