Neutrophils engulf and break down microbes
Biomarker library
Full Blood Count
Neutrophil count
Neutrophils are your first responders. They make up more than half of your white cells and reach a site of bacterial infection within hours to engulf and destroy the invaders.
Measured in your health assessment, with a doctor to explain your result. Book yours
Why it matters
Your bone marrow releases tens of billions every day, and each lives for only about a day in the bloodstream. Pus is largely made of neutrophils that have done their job.
What a result can mean
Lower than the range
A low count, called neutropenia, can follow viral infections or certain medicines, and some people simply have a naturally lower count, particularly those of African or Middle Eastern ancestry. When the count is very low, the body is less able to fight bacterial infections.
Higher than the range
A high count usually means bacterial infection or inflammation, but steroids, smoking, stress, heavy exercise and pregnancy can all raise it.
What can help
Most reactive rises settle once the cause has passed, and stopping smoking lowers a persistently raised count. A low count is rechecked and, if it persists, medicines and other causes are reviewed.
Read it with
NoteGeneral educational illustration. Colours, sizes and movement are simplified. This is not a scan or a simulation of your body. General information, not personal medical advice: a doctor reads your own results with your history.
Know your neutrophil count.
Measured in your health assessment and explained by the doctor who reviews your results.