Full blood count (FBC / CBC)
Neutrophil count blood test: what a high or low result means
What a neutrophil count means on your blood test, what high or low neutrophils can mean, and what to ask your doctor.
Got your neutrophil count result in front of you?
Paste your whole results sheet (or upload a photo, PDF or Word file) and Patiently AI explains it in plain English, sticking to the numbers and ranges on your report. Free, no account, and identifying details are removed on your device first.
Explain my results → Available on web, iOS & Android.What is neutrophil count?
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They are first responders that move quickly to fight infection, especially bacterial infection. Your neutrophil count is part of the white cell differential on a full blood count (FBC, or CBC in the US), and may be shown as NEUT or, in the US, as the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
Why is this test done?
- To look for signs of infection or inflammation
- To check how well you can fight infection during treatments such as chemotherapy
- To monitor medicines that can lower neutrophils
- As part of a routine full blood count
What does a high neutrophil count mean?
A high neutrophil count is called neutrophilia. It is usually the body responding to something.
Possible reasons include:
- Bacterial infection
- Inflammation
- Steroid medicines
- Physical stress, such as surgery, injury or intense exercise
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Less commonly, a bone marrow condition
What does a low neutrophil count mean?
A low neutrophil count is called neutropenia. A mildly low count is common, but a very low count raises the risk of infection.
Possible reasons include:
- Viral infections
- Chemotherapy and some other medicines, such as carbimazole for an overactive thyroid
- Autoimmune conditions
- Low vitamin B12 or folate
- Naturally lower counts in some people, including many people of Black African or Middle Eastern heritage
- Less commonly, a bone marrow condition
When to get help quickly. If you take carbimazole or are having chemotherapy and develop a sore throat, mouth ulcers, a fever or feel suddenly unwell, follow the advice you were given and seek medical help urgently, as you may need a blood count the same day.
Why we don't list a "normal range". Reference ranges differ between laboratories and can depend on your age, sex and whether you are pregnant. The range printed next to your result on your own report is the one that applies to you, so use that, and talk to your doctor about what your result means for you.
What can affect your neutrophil count result?
- A recent infection
- Steroids, which raise neutrophils
- Chemotherapy and some other medicines, which can lower them
- Your ethnic background, as typical counts differ between groups
Make sense of the whole report, not just one line
Results are easier to understand together. Patiently AI explains your report as a whole and writes personalised questions for your next appointment.
Try it with your own results → Paste, upload or photograph your results.Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my neutrophil count low enough to raise my risk of infection?
- Could a recent illness or a medicine explain it?
- Do I need to take any precautions, and what symptoms should prompt me to seek help?
- When will it be checked again?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between neutrophils and white blood cells?
Neutrophils are one type of white blood cell. Your total white cell count includes neutrophils plus lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
What should I do if I have low neutrophils and get a fever?
If you have been told your neutrophils are low, especially during cancer treatment, follow the advice you were given and seek medical help urgently if you develop a fever or feel unwell, because infections can become serious quickly.
Can neutrophils be naturally low?
Yes. Some people have neutrophil counts that are lower than standard ranges all their lives without any problem. This is particularly common in people of Black African or Middle Eastern heritage.
Can Patiently AI explain my neutrophil count result?
Yes. Paste your results, or upload a photo, PDF or Word file, and Patiently AI explains them in plain English, sticking to the numbers and ranges on your own report rather than adding its own, and suggests questions to ask your doctor. It is free, needs no account, and removes identifying details on your device first.