Leukemoid reaction

Definition

A leukemoid reaction is an increase in white blood cell count similar to what occurs in people with leukemia. However, the reaction is actually due to an infection or another disease and is not a sign of cancer.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: pp. 1259-1260.