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Neutrophil Absolute Count (Blood)

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

This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.

Quick summary

["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections and help identify inflammation or infection in your body."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43292-2
Short code
Neutrophil OB Bld
Synonyms
Neutrophil OB Bld
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for infections, inflammation, or other conditions that affect your immune system. It can also help monitor certain treatments or conditions like leukemia or autoimmune diseases.

What to Expect Before the Test

You won’t need any special preparation. This test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. It’s quick and generally painless, though you might feel a slight pinch.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as the absolute count of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. High or low counts can signal different health issues, so always discuss your results with your provider.

Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophil Counts

High neutrophil counts may indicate infections, stress, or certain inflammatory conditions. Low counts can suggest immune deficiencies, infections, or medications that suppress white blood cells.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Neutrophils play a critical role in defending against bacterial infections. Elevated counts often point to active bacterial infections or acute inflammation, while decreased counts may signal immune dysfunction or conditions like neutropenia.

Short name

Neutrophil Count

Frequently asked questions

What causes a high neutrophil count?
High neutrophil counts can be due to infections (like bacterial illnesses), stress, smoking, or certain medications. Chronic conditions such as inflammatory diseases may also contribute.
What causes a low neutrophil count?
Low neutrophil counts can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, or certain medications that suppress the bone marrow’s production of white blood cells.
Can diet affect neutrophil counts?
Diet alone doesn’t directly change neutrophil counts, but poor nutrition can weaken your immune system, making infections more likely. Focus on balanced meals to support overall health.
  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