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Neutrophil count (absolute, blood)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.

Quick summary

["Neutrophils protect your body from bacterial infections and help reduce swelling."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
102761-4
Short code
Lemon IgG RAST
Synonyms
Lemon IgG RAST
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
rast
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for infections, monitor conditions like leukemia or other blood disorders, or evaluate how your body responds to treatments like chemotherapy or certain medications that affect white blood cells.

What to Expect Before the Test

You won’t need special preparation. A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample from a vein, usually in your arm. The process is quick and typically painless.

What the Results Mean

Results are usually reported as a count of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. Low counts may indicate infections, immune disorders, or side effects of treatment. High counts could suggest infections, inflammation, or certain blood disorders.

Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophils

Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) can be linked to conditions like aplastic anemia, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers. High counts may signal infections, chronic inflammation, or reactions to medications.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)

Frequently asked questions

What causes low neutrophil counts?
Low neutrophil counts can result from infections, certain medications (like chemotherapy), autoimmune diseases, or genetic disorders. Chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver problems may also play a role.
What causes high neutrophil counts?
High neutrophil counts often appear during infections, especially bacterial ones, or in response to inflammation. Stress, certain medications, or conditions like polycythemia vera may also contribute.
Can I adjust my diet or lifestyle to affect neutrophil counts?
While diet and lifestyle factors like stress management can support overall immune health, they don’t directly alter neutrophil counts. Focus on eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive stress to help your body function better.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy