Neutrophil count (absolute)

This test measures the number of neutrophils in your blood, a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection. It is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps your healthcare provider look for infections, inflammation, or bone marrow problems, and monitor treatments such as chemotherapy.

Doctors may order an absolute neutrophil count to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, certain cancers (e.g., leukemia), autoimmune diseases, or after treatments that weaken the immune system. It’s also useful in evaluating bone marrow function or assessing risks of complications in hospitalized patients.

A small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a laboratory. Special equipment counts the neutrophils in the sample, and the result is reported either as a percentage of your total white blood cells or as an absolute number per microliter of blood.

A small blood sample is taken from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is analyzed to count the neutrophils accurately. This test provides a quick snapshot of your immune cell activity without needing specialized lab equipment.

Most people do not need special preparation for this test, and you can usually eat and drink normally beforehand. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take, since some can affect your results. Wearing a shirt with loose or rollable sleeves can make the blood draw easier.

No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but it usually resolves quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder, let your doctor know before the test.

Your results will show whether your neutrophil level is within the normal range. A high count may suggest an infection, inflammation, or physical stress, while a low count may mean your body has a harder time fighting infection. Your provider will interpret your numbers together with your symptoms and other test findings.

Results are reported as a count of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, very low counts (below normal) may indicate immune suppression, while very high counts could signal infections, inflammation, or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.