Neutrophil Absolute Count (Blood)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.
["Neutrophils are key to your immune response against bacteria and early infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17347-6
- Short code
- Neutrophil Ab Ser IF-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Neutrophil Ab Ser IF-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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 check for infections, inflammation, or other conditions that affect neutrophil levels, such as autoimmune diseases or certain cancers. It can also help monitor treatment responses or diagnose conditions like neutropenia (low neutrophil count) or leukocytosis (high neutrophil count).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast before the test if it involves drawing blood from a vein, but this depends on your specific healthcare provider’s instructions. Wear comfortable clothing with an easy armhole for the blood draw if applicable.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic and insert a small needle into a vein in your arm. Blood will be collected into a tube. The needle will be removed once enough blood is gathered. You may feel a brief pinch or stinging sensation, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the absolute number of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, very high or very low counts may signal underlying health concerns that need further evaluation by your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Neutrophil Count
Frequently asked questions
A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) can increase the risk of infections, especially from bacteria, and may indicate conditions like bone marrow disorders, chemotherapy side effects, or autoimmune diseases. High neutrophil counts (leukocytosis) may suggest acute infections, inflammation, or stress responses. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the results, so check with them for a timeline specific to your situation.
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