Neutrophil count (absolute) in peripheral blood

What Is a Neutrophil Count?

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in defending your body against infections caused by bacteria. Your blood test will show the absolute count of these cells, which helps doctors assess how well your immune system is responding to illness or injury.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order a neutrophil count to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections (such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections), inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, or to evaluate how your body is responding to treatment for certain illnesses. It can also help check for conditions like leukemia or other blood disorders.

When Is a Neutrophil Count Test Performed?

This test is often performed when you have symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or persistent coughing. It may also be done before surgery to assess your immune status or during chemotherapy to monitor how your body is handling treatment.

How Is the Test Done?

A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the absolute number of neutrophils in your blood, which is reported as a count per microliter (cells/µL).