Neutrophil count (absolute)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.
["Neutrophils protect your body from bacterial infections and help reduce swelling."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72942-6
- Short code
- Terazosin (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Terazosin (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- 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, monitor immune function, or assess conditions like chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. Low or high neutrophil counts can signal underlying health concerns.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, inform your provider before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard ranges for healthy adults. Very low counts (neutropenia) may indicate immune suppression, while very high counts (neutrophilia) could signal infection, inflammation, or other conditions. Your provider will discuss findings with you.
Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophils
Neutrophil counts can drop due to infections, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), or certain medications. They may rise in response to infections, stress, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) can increase infection risk, especially in vulnerable populations like cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. High neutrophil counts may signal active infection or systemic inflammation. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low neutrophil counts?
What causes high neutrophil counts?
Can diet affect neutrophil counts?
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