Neutrophil Segment Count in Peripheral Blood (Manual Differential)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood using a manual microscopic count. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.
["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections and help manage inflammation in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71650-6
- Short code
- Neuts Seg NFr.DF Fld Manual
- Synonyms
- Neuts Seg NFr.DF Fld Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like frequent or recurring infections, unexplained fevers, or signs of inflammation. It could also be part of a routine blood check or to monitor conditions like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a small amount of blood. The blood sample is then examined under a microscope by a trained technician to count neutrophils manually.
What the Test Results Mean
The result shows the absolute number of neutrophils per microliter of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, a lower-than-normal count may indicate immune suppression, while a higher-than-normal count could suggest infection, inflammation, or other conditions.
Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophil Levels
Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) may be linked to conditions like chemotherapy side effects, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections. High neutrophil counts (neutrophilia) can occur with bacterial infections, stress, or inflammatory processes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Neutrophil counts are critical for diagnosing and managing infections, autoimmune disorders, and blood disorders. Abnormal levels can signal underlying health issues that require further medical evaluation, such as infections, cancers, or immune system dysfunctions.
Short name
Neutrophil Count (Manual)
Frequently asked questions
What causes a low neutrophil count?
What causes a high neutrophil count?
How often should I get 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