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Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in your blood plasma, a simple way to assess immune response and inflammation.

Quick summary

["NLR helps doctors gauge your body’s immune activity and inflammation levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
42674-2
Short code
Neutral Fat #/area Ur HPF
Synonyms
Neutral Fat #/area Ur HPF
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
microscopy-light-hpf
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Is Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)?

Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight infections, while lymphocytes are part of your immune system’s long-term defense. The NLR compares these two cell types. A higher ratio may suggest inflammation, infection, or certain health conditions, while a lower ratio might indicate immune suppression or other issues.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your doctor may order this test to monitor conditions like cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infections. It can also help track how your body responds to treatment or assess general health during recovery.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken, and the plasma is analyzed to count neutrophils and lymphocytes. The results are expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1.5:1). No special preparation is needed.

What Do the Results Mean?

Interpretation depends on your overall health and clinical context. Elevated NLR may signal inflammation or infection, while low NLR could suggest immune dysfunction. Your doctor will discuss findings with you.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

NLR (Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What causes a high NLR?
High NLR can result from infections (like bacterial or viral), chronic inflammation, or certain cancers. It may also appear in people with metabolic syndrome or after trauma.
What causes a low NLR?
Low NLR can occur with immune suppression (e.g., from chemotherapy, HIV, or certain medications), severe infections, or rare blood disorders. It may also be seen in very young or elderly individuals.
How often is this test repeated?
Your doctor will determine how often to repeat the test based on your condition. Some patients get it monthly during treatment, while others may need it only once for monitoring.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy