Monocyte count (per microliter of whole blood)
This test measures the number of monocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and inflammation.
["Monocytes help your immune system respond to illness and injury."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26488-7
- Short code
- Monocytes NFr Prt
- Synonyms
- Monocytes NFr Prt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86592
- 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a monocyte count to check for infections, autoimmune conditions, or other health issues that affect white blood cell levels. It’s sometimes done alongside other blood tests to monitor overall immune function or diagnose specific conditions like leukemia or certain inflammatory diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
You won’t need any special preparation. The test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. It takes about 15 minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch, but it’s generally quick and painless.
What the Results Mean
Results show the number of monocytes in your blood. While reference ranges can vary by lab, high or low levels may signal potential health concerns, such as infections, immune disorders, or certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms like frequent infections, unexplained fevers, fatigue, or swelling. It can also be part of routine blood work or monitoring for conditions like chronic inflammation or blood disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Monocyte counts can indicate immune system activity. Elevated levels may suggest chronic inflammation, infections, or certain cancers, while low levels could point to immune deficiencies or other underlying health issues. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalized insights.
Short name
Monocyte blood test
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need this test?
What are typical reference ranges?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy