Neutrophils are one of the members of immune system cells (leucocytes) which are responsible of repairing the tissue and creating immune response towards an injury and infection.They are abbreviated as ‘NEU’ in blood tests. They are dominantly found in blood, tissues, and lymph nodes. Their amount is obtained by whole blood test. Bone marrow biopsy is the examination that gives the best and most detailed information about neutrophils, as this is the site of synthesis.
Interpretation:Neutropenia is defined as a low neutrophil count. The decrease may occur when the amount of synthesis is less than the amount of utilisation while the body is fighting an infection. These diseases may be tuberculosis, hepatitis, chemotherapy, Lyme disease, bone marrow synthesis problems, rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, deficiency of agents involved in neutrophil synthesis such as B12, folate and copper, lupus erythromatosis, antibiotics and psychiatric treatments. Its elevation indicates that there is an immune system response against any infection. The patient may have symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, difficulty in breathing.
Sample: Arm venous plasma (EDTA). Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Same day at 6 PM
