Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the main type of white blood cell. They are the main white blood cells that trigger a response in the immune system. Amongst the five types of white blood cells, the largest percentage of cells is the neutrophils, with 55 – 70% of the white blood cells. The white blood cells, which are also known as leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system.

The immune system consists of cells, tissues and organs. The white blood cells are a part of this complex system, patrolling your lymphatic system and bloodstream.

When you have a minor injury or are sick, the presence of a foreign body called antigens triggers your immune system.

Antigens include:

• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Poisons
• Viruses
• Cancer cells

The white blood cells help fight these antigens by identifying the source of the inflammation or infection with the chemicals produced

Neutrophils have an important function because, unlike the other four types of white blood cells, they aren’t confined to a specific area in the body. They circulate freely through the walls of the veins and tissues in the body to attack any antigen.

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

The absolute neutrophil count can give your doctor information about your health. This test is usually a part of your complete blood called (CBC) and differential WBC count. A CBC test measures all the cells in your blood.

Your healthcare professional may recommend an ANC to:

• Monitor an existing condition or during chemotherapy
• Diagnose a condition
• Screen for different conditions

If the ANC result is abnormal, the doctor may order repeated testing several times over a few weeks. This helps to monitor changes in neutrophil count.

What you should expect

An ANC test requires a small amount of blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm. The blood collection can be in a lab or the doctor’s office. Laboratory analysis of the blood will provide the ANC result.

Some conditions can affect your ANC blood test. Ensure you also inform the provider if you are pregnant or have any of these conditions.

• HIV
• Anxiety
• Corticosteroid therapy
• Radiation therapy
• A recent infection
• Chemotherapy
• Recent surgery

Understanding the ANC result

Your healthcare provider will explain your test result. The ANC results usually vary in different labs and depend on the following.

• Gender
• Age
• Heritage
• The instruments used during testing
• Living at high altitudes

Below are the approximate reference ranges for adults measured in microliters (mcL).

Causes of high neutrophil levels

A high neutrophil level in the blood is known as neutrophilia. This may be due to an infection in the body. Neutrophilia can indicate several underlying conditions and factors, such as:

• Injury
• Surgery
• Infection, usually bacterial
• Steroid use
• High-stress level
• Sniffing tobacco or smoking cigarettes
• Non-infectious inflammation
• Excessive exercise
• Heart attacks
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia

Causes of low neutrophil levels

Neutropenia refers to low neutrophil levels. Low neutrophil counts usually occur from taking medications but may also indicate illnesses. They include:

• Hepatitis A, B or C
• Suppressed immune system
• Some drugs, like those used during chemotherapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Aplastic anaemia
• Bone marrow failure
• Congenital disorders such as cyclic neutropenia and Kostmann syndrome
• Febrile neutropenia – a medical emergency
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Sepsis
• Leukaemia

You are at the highest risk of infection if your neutrophil count is below 1500 neutrophils/microliter. Life-threatening infections may also occur if the neutrophil count is very low.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

If your healthcare provider orders an ANC screening or a CBC with differential, consider asking the following questions.

• Why do I need this test?
• Do you want to eliminate or confirm a condition?
• How soon will my results be available?
• Do I need any special preparation for the test?
• Will you or someone else give me the results and explain them?

If you’re concerned about getting accurate results for y our neutrophil count, visit Private Blood Tests London. Our healthcare professional will perform the test and explain your results. Call us on 02071830244 to book an appointment for your absolute neutrophil count (ANC).