Neutrophil Segment Count (Manual Differential Blood Count)
This test measures the number of mature neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections by attacking bacteria and other invaders.
["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections; their count helps doctors assess your immune response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98128-2
- Short code
- Neut.imm/Neut.segment Mar Manual - Rto
- Synonyms
- Neut.imm/Neut.segment Mar Manual - Rto
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, fever, or signs of inflammation. It can also help diagnose conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of a routine blood check or to monitor treatment progress.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
The test result shows the percentage of neutrophils among all white blood cells. While reference ranges vary by lab, a higher-than-normal count may indicate infection or inflammation, while a lower count could suggest immune suppression or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored or Diagnosed
Neutrophil counts help diagnose or monitor conditions like bacterial infections, chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or blood disorders (e.g., leukemia). They’re also used to evaluate how well treatments for infections or immune disorders are working.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormally high neutrophil counts may signal an active infection, stress, or inflammatory response. Low neutrophil counts can indicate immune deficiency, chemotherapy side effects, or other systemic illnesses. Your doctor will use these results alongside other symptoms and tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
Manual Neutrophil Segment Count
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Is there anything I should avoid before the 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