What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of neutrophils in the blood. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cells, responsible mainly for building up the immunity in the body.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To diagnose neutrophilia or neutropenia
- As a part of complete blood count (CBC)
- To screen for a number of conditions
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- What is neutropenia and neutrophilia?
Neutropenia is the abnormal decrease in the concentration of neutrophils (WBC) while Neutrophilia is the abnormal increase in the concentration of neutrophils.
- What are the symptoms of neutropenia?
- Fever
- Chills or sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Sore throat
- Burning micturition
- Diarrhea
- What are the sign and symptoms of neutrophilia?
- General illness
- Splenomegaly
- Increased neutrophil precursor cells and young neutrophils.
- What conditions might affect my test results?
- Pregnancy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Anxiety
- HIV
- Infections
- Recent surgery.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. Inform your doctor about the use of all prescribed and non-prescribed medicines. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness.
Normal range: 1500-8000 cells per microliters of blood
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of increased neutrophil levels:
- Bacterial infection
- Smoking
- Injury
- Surgery
- Stress
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive steroid use
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Chronic leukemia.
Causes of decreased neutrophil levels:
- Chemotherapeutic agents
- Immune deficiency
- Bone marrow failure
- Hepatitis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Aplastic anemia
- Congenital disorders.
