Neutrophil count (absolute) in serum/plasma

Your doctor may order this blood test to measure the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight bacterial infections. It is often included in a complete blood count (CBC) and may be ordered if you have fever, signs of infection, unexplained fatigue, or if you are taking medicines such as chemotherapy that can lower your immune defenses and require close monitoring.

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for infections (like bacterial infections), monitor chronic conditions (such as autoimmune diseases or cancer), or evaluate blood cell counts if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or easy bruising.

No special preparation is usually needed, and you can typically eat and drink normally beforehand. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, since some drugs can affect the results. During the test, a small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually at the inside of the elbow, and the procedure takes only a few minutes with mild, brief discomfort.

No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (typically in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.

Results are reported as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC), with a normal range for most adults of about 1,500 to 8,000 cells per microliter (cells/mcL). A count below 1,500 cells/mcL is called neutropenia and may increase your risk of infections, while a count above the normal range, called neutrophilia, can suggest infection, inflammation, or physical stress. Your doctor will interpret your numbers together with your symptoms and medical history.

Results are compared to standard ranges for healthy adults. High neutrophil counts may indicate infection, inflammation, or other conditions like leukemia. Low counts could suggest immune suppression, bone marrow disorders, or severe infections.

This test is commonly used to monitor people receiving chemotherapy, patients with bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia or leukemia, and those with recurrent or severe infections. It is also tracked in people with autoimmune conditions, individuals taking medications that suppress the immune system or reduce white blood cell production, and patients recovering from serious illness or undergoing certain treatments.

This test is often used to diagnose or track conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease, or to monitor responses to treatments for infections or cancers.