Monocyte count (peripheral blood)
This test measures the number of monocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infections and remove dead cells. Monocytes are part of your immune system and play a role in inflammation and healing.
["Monocyte count helps assess immune function and potential inflammation or infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95222-6
- Short code
- Monocytes NFr Stem prod Manual
- Synonyms
- Monocytes NFr Stem prod Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your immune system, check for signs of infection, inflammation, or certain blood disorders. It can also help monitor conditions like chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or after treatments like chemotherapy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The process takes a few minutes.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the absolute count of monocytes per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges can vary by lab, lower than expected counts may suggest immune suppression, while higher counts might indicate infection, inflammation, or certain blood disorders.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like chronic inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), infections, or to check for abnormalities in white blood cell counts before or after treatments that affect the immune system.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Monocyte levels can provide clues about your overall immune health. Low monocyte counts might signal conditions like severe infections, immune deficiencies, or certain cancers. High levels can be linked to infections, inflammatory diseases, or even some cancers. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Monocyte level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What are the normal ranges for this test?
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