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Neutrophil count in peripheral blood (absolute count)

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 by attacking bacteria and other harmful substances.

Quick summary

["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections; their count helps doctors assess your immune response."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
75547-0
Short code
NIP aneu microdel pnl WBC.DNA+cfDNA
Synonyms
NIP aneu microdel pnl WBC.DNA+cfDNA
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
136
Ref high
145
Critical range
2 N/A – 30 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
dosage-of-chromosome-specific-cf-dna
CPT
84295
SNOMED
110741000
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 infections, fever, fatigue, or if you’re recovering from an illness. It can also be used to monitor conditions like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast before your blood draw if your doctor specifies, but this is not always required for neutrophil counts.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as the number of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, high or low counts may signal different health concerns, such as infections, inflammation, or blood disorders.

Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophil Levels

High neutrophil counts (neutrophilia) can occur with infections, stress, or certain medications. Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) may indicate immune suppression, bone marrow disorders, or certain medications.

Reference range

Adult: 136-145 mmol/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Neutrophils and Your Health

Short name

Neutrophil count

Frequently asked questions

What does a neutrophil count tell your doctor?
A neutrophil count helps identify whether your immune system is overreacting (e.g., to an infection) or weakened (e.g., due to chemotherapy or an underlying disease). It’s a critical tool for diagnosing and managing infections, blood disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often to check your neutrophil count based on your health status, treatment plan, or symptoms. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have chronic conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Can lifestyle changes affect neutrophil counts?
Yes, factors like diet, stress, sleep, and certain medications can influence neutrophil levels. Avoiding infections, staying hydrated, and managing chronic conditions may support stable blood cell counts.
  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