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Polymorphonuclear leukocyte count (absolute)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 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 regulate inflammation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
102473-6
Short code
Oat Poln IgE RAST
Synonyms
Oat Poln IgE RAST
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
rast
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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 Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for infections, blood disorders, or immune system issues. Low counts might suggest conditions like neutropenia, while high counts could indicate infections, inflammation, or certain cancers.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. A simple blood draw from a vein in your arm is all that’s required. The process is quick and usually painless.

How the Test Results Are Interpreted

Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Very low or very high counts may prompt further testing to identify underlying causes.

Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophil Counts

Low neutrophil counts can occur due to medications, autoimmune diseases, or genetic disorders. High counts are often linked to infections, stress, or certain cancers.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Neutrophils play a critical role in immune defense, and their count helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting white blood cell function or blood disorders.

Short name

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)

Frequently asked questions

What causes a low neutrophil count?
Low neutrophil counts can result from infections, certain medications (like chemotherapy), autoimmune diseases, or genetic conditions like congenital neutropenia.
What causes a high neutrophil count?
High neutrophil counts are often due to infections (especially bacterial), inflammation, stress, or conditions like leukemia.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed. Just rest assured that a simple blood draw will provide the results.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy