Neutrophil count (absolute) in serum/plasma
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections.
["Neutrophils protect your body from bacterial infections; low or high levels may signal health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73040-8
- Short code
- CELX-NAb-IgG
- Synonyms
- Celecoxib (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube for serum; EDTA or sodium heparin tube for plasma
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 86021 (Antibody identification; leukocyte antibody) or 86352 (Cellular function assay involving isolation and culture of lymphocytes) depending on laboratory billing practice
- SNOMED
- 428368004 (Substance with neutrophil antibody) / 387458008 (Celecoxib-induced finding)
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood yielding at least 1 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable for 24 hours at room temperature (15-25°C), 7 days at 2-8°C, and up to 6 months frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test to check for infections, blood disorders, or immune system issues. It can also help monitor conditions like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or reactions to certain medications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a count of neutrophils per microliter (cells/µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, very low counts (below normal) may indicate infections, immune disorders, or bone marrow problems. Very high counts may suggest infections, inflammation, or other conditions.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions like severe infections, neutropenia (low neutrophil count), or to assess how your body responds to treatments like chemotherapy.
Reference range
Negative; IgG antibodies against neutrophils in the presence of celecoxib are not normally detected in healthy individualsN/A
No special preparation required. Patients should be informed that this test detects drug-dependent antibodies. Recent celecoxib exposure is relevant for accurate interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Neutrophils Are Key Defenders
Short name
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What causes my neutrophil count to be different from what’s expected?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy