According to the NVKC, neutrophils are white blood cells that are made in the bone marrow and are part of the immune system that protects the body against pathogens such as micro-organisms. The leukocyte differential counts the neutrophils together with the four other kinds of white blood cells: lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
According to a 2015 review in American Family Physician, a raised white blood cell count can have malignant and non-malignant causes, and according to the NVKC a low lymphocyte count can arise from malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies, among other causes. Only a blood test shows how the five kinds of white blood cells are doing.
Diagnostiek voor U uses 1.5 to 7.5 /nL neutrophils (segmented) and 1.0 to 3.5 /nL lymphocytes for people older than 15; /nL is the same number as 10⁹/l.
Doctor's Assessment Included
The leukocyte differential counts the white blood cells, the cells of the immune system, by type: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each type has its own normal value, which can differ between laboratories.
According to the NVKC, the leukocyte differential determines whether the five kinds of white blood cells are present in the right amounts and whether they have normal properties. According to the NVKC, neutrophils are also called segments, because their nucleus is divided into two to five lobes.
According to the NVKC, a leukocyte differential gives insight into how the various kinds of white blood cells are made and how they work. According to a 2015 review in American Family Physician, with a chronic inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, the white blood cell count may be raised.
According to the NVKC, neutrophils are counted when a doctor thinks there may be an infection or inflammation, usually as part of the leukocyte differential or a complete blood count.
According to the NVKC, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can cause a low lymphocyte count in the leukocyte differential, as can HIV infection or loss of lymphocytes in the gut.
According to a 2015 review in American Family Physician, neutrophilia, more than 7.0 × 10⁹ neutrophils per litre, can arise from, among other causes, infections, stress, chronic inflammation or medication use, and according to that article it is the most common type of raised white blood cell count.
Medicines
A low neutrophil count is usually caused by medicines, especially painkillers and antibiotics.
Black African descent
People of Black African descent tend to have lower white cell and neutrophil counts.
Few lymphocytes (uncommon)
A low lymphocyte count is uncommon and can be caused by HIV infection, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies or loss of lymphocytes through the gut.
Bacterial infection or inflammation
In a bacterial infection and other inflammation, such as serious injuries and burns, the neutrophil count can rise.
Viral infection
A raised lymphocyte count is usually caused by a viral infection.
Allergy or parasites
A raised eosinophil count usually points to a parasitic infection or an allergic reaction such as hay fever, asthma or food allergy.
Exercise, stress, smoking, obesity or medicines
Exercise, emotional stress, smoking, obesity and some medicines, such as corticosteroids, can raise the white cell count.
Blood cancer
In some types of blood cancer the neutrophil count can be raised.
An abnormal leukocyte differential goes to the GP, who according to the NVKC can use the number and type of white blood cells to work out whether the immune system is working well.
Yes, obesity can raise the white blood cell count in the leukocyte differential: a 2015 review in American Family Physician names obesity, smoking and certain medicines, among others, as causes of a high white blood cell count that are not malignant.
These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in one test — a broad look at your blood.
Complete blood count, iron status, vitamin B12 and vitamin D in one panel — eating a lot less also means fewer nutrients coming in.
Medical reviewer
Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.
Medical policyDoctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Leukocyte Differential
€13,-
We use cookies to analyze site usage and measure ad effectiveness. Privacy Policy
