At birth, there is a leukocytosis of 18,000-22,000/ mm3 (18-22 Ч 109/L) for the first 1-3 days. This drops sharply at 3-4 days to levels between 8,000 and 16,000/mm3. At roughly 6 months, approximately adult levels are reached, although the upper limit of normal is more flexible. Although the postnatal period is associated with neutrophilia, lymphocytes slightly predominate thereafter until about age 4-5 years, when adult values for total WBC count and differential become established (see Table 37-1). Capillary (heelstick) blood WBC reference values are about 20% higher than venous WBC values on the first day of life and about 10% higher on the second day.