What Are Neutrophils and Why Are They Important?
Neutrophils are one of the most important components of a blood test. They are the most abundant type of white blood cell and play an important role in helping your body fight infection and protect against serious illnesses. Neutrophils help the body remove bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents from the bloodstream. Neutrophils make up a large part of the white blood cell count, which is typically measured in a complete blood count (CBC) test.
When something in your body starts to go wrong, for instance if you have an infection, a doctor might order a CBC test to check for a low number of neutrophils in your blood. A low neutrophil count, also known as neutropenia, can indicate a serious illness, or an infection that is difficult to treat. Neutropenia is often caused by certain medications, chemotherapy and radiation, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
How Do We Measure Neutrophils?
Neutrophils are measured as part of a complete blood count, or CBC. A CBC measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as the number and percentage of each type of white blood cell. In a CBC, neutrophils are given as two numbers: the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which is the total number of neutrophils in the blood, and the percentage of neutrophils, which is the percentage of all white blood cells that are neutrophils.
Normal ANC levels vary slightly depending on age, but typically range from 1.5 to 8.0, while normal percentage of neutrophils is between 40 and 75 percent. An ANC of less than 1.5 or a percentage of neutrophils of less than 40 is considered low, and the numbers may indicate the presence of an infection.
What Can Cause Low Neutrophil Levels?
Low neutrophil levels, or neutropenia, are usually caused by certain medications, chemotherapy, radiation, or infections. In addition, some autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may disrupt the production of neutrophils. Other factors such as alcohol use or a poor diet can also cause neutropenia. If you have a low neutrophil count, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause.
Treatment for Low Neutrophil Levels
The main treatment for low neutrophil levels is antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections that may be present. In addition, supplements such as vitamin B12, iron, and Vitamin C may be recommended to help boost your neutrophil count. Depending on the cause, other treatments such as adjusting medications may also be recommended.
In some cases, a low neutrophil count can put you at risk of serious infections, so be sure to communicate closely with your doctor. It is important to get regular checkups and follow-up visits so that any changes in your white blood cell count can be closely monitored. This is the best way to make sure that your body is healthy and strong.