Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. Like security guards, they patrol the bloodstream and act like the immune system's first responders whenever an infection or injury occurs. They are always ready to fight off invaders like bacteria and fungi, engulfing the pathogen or releasing chemicals to neutralize or eliminate threats to keep you healthy.
When you’re sick or injured, doctors often measure your neutrophil count with a complete blood count (CBC) test to see how your body is responding. This test measures the percentage of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. It's often part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps detect infections, inflammation, and other health conditions by showing the proportion of neutrophils compared to other white blood cells.
Abnormal Neutrophil Levels
Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia)
Neutropenia is the result of your body destroying neutrophils before your bone marrow can create more.
Causes of a low neutrophil count include infections (hepatitis, tuberculosis, sepsis, Lyme disease, chemotherapy, leukemia, vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12, folate, copper), or autoimmune disease (Crohn's disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).
Neutropenia does not cause any specific symptoms.
High Neutrophil Levels (Neutrophilia)
In many cases, it's normal for your body to temporarily produce more neutrophils to help you heal, especially with a bone fracture, injury, severe burn, or surgery. However, neutrophils also increase due to infections, inflammation, certain types of leukemia, stress, or reactions to certain drugs. When the number of neutrophils doesn't return to normal after repairing an injury, it can pose a health risk.
Neutrophilia does not cause any specific symptoms.
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