Absolute Count of Neutrophils in Whole Blood
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.
["Neutrophils protect your body from harmful bacteria and infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17100-9
- Short code
- CD103
- Synonyms
- CD103 Cells NFr Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender/purple-top) tube for whole blood flow cytometry; sodium heparin tube acceptable alternative for some protocols
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry with fluorescent monoclonal antibody staining targeting CD103 (integrin αE, ITGAE) surface marker, typically using whole blood lysis or density gradient separation followed by multiparameter immunophenotyping
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 122534000
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL whole blood (adult); minimum 1 mL for pediatric samples
- Stability
- Specimen stable at room temperature (18-25°C) for up to 24 hours; do not refrigerate as this may affect lymphocyte viability and marker expression
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for infections, inflammation, or other conditions affecting your immune system. It can also help monitor certain treatments or diseases, such as leukemia or autoimmune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. This is usually done in a clinic or doctor’s office.
What Happens During the Test?
The blood sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to count the number of neutrophils. The results help determine if your neutrophil levels are within a typical range or if further action is needed.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a count of neutrophils per microliter (cells/µL) of blood. Low neutrophil counts may indicate infections, bone marrow disorders, or certain medications. High counts might suggest infections, inflammation, or other conditions.
Reference range
Reference ranges for CD103+ cells in peripheral blood vary by laboratory and population. CD103 expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes is generally low (<5% of total lymphocytes) in healthy adults. CD103 is primarily expressed on tissue-resident T cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes; circulating CD103+ lymphocytes are typically minimal. Interpret results in context of clinical scenario and laboratory-specific reference values.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Standard phlebotomy procedures apply. For optimal lymphocyte viability, specimen should be processed within 24 hours of collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Neutrophils play a critical role in fighting bacterial infections. Abnormal counts can signal underlying health issues, such as immune deficiencies, chronic diseases, or responses to treatments like chemotherapy.
Short name
Neutrophil Count
Frequently asked questions
What causes low neutrophil counts?
What causes high neutrophil counts?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy