What is the absolute value of neutrophils

The absolute neutrophil value, also known as neutrophil white blood cells, is a result that must be tested when doing a routine blood test. Whether it is normal is directly related to the patient's condition. Therefore, it is very important for us to understand the normal range of the absolute neutrophil value and what it is specifically. If you are unfamiliar with the absolute neutrophil value, this article will give you a detailed introduction to what the absolute neutrophil value is.

Neutrophil (or Neutrophil granulocyte, also translated as neutrophil) is one of the blood cell components in the blood. The absolute value of neutrophils refers to the content of neutrophils in the white blood cell count. An increase in neutrophil count generally indicates a bacterial infection or when the body is stimulated by pain, cold, etc.; it may also increase slightly under certain other physiological conditions, such as eating, exercise, etc.

Neutropenia: When the absolute value of neutrophils is lower than 1.5×109/L, it is called granulocytopenia; when it is lower than 0.5×109/L, it is called agranulocytosis. There are many causes of neutropenia: (1) Infectious diseases; (2) Blood system diseases; (3) Physical and chemical factors: Radiation, chemicals and drugs can all cause neutropenia; (4) Hyperfunction of the monocyte-macrophage system; (5) Others: Systemic lupus erythematosus, certain autoimmune diseases, anaphylactic shock, etc. can also cause neutropenia.

Neutrophils account for 70% of white blood cells and are the most abundant white blood cells in the peripheral blood circulation and immune system. The percentages of each type of white blood cells are: neutrophils 50-70%, eosinophils 0.5-5%, alkaliphils 0-1%, lymphocytes 20-40%, and monocytes 3-8%. (“Neutrophils” are neutrophils)

The total white blood cell count of a healthy adult is 4000 to 10,000/cubic millimeter. In peripheral blood smear examination, the average amount of neutrophils was 330 femtoliters, and the diameter was 12-15 microns (µm). Together with eosinophils and alkaliphils, they are collectively called multinucleated granulocytes.

The range of normal neutrophils varies from laboratory to laboratory, but a neutrophil count of 2.5-7.5×109/L is considered normal. The average half-life of non-activated neutrophils in peripheral blood is approximately 4-10 hours.

White blood cells are the first line of defense against microbial invasion. They have the ability to deform and phagocytose, and are very important in resisting disease and protecting the body.

One process that neutrophils undergo is called chemotaxis. These phagocytes are usually present in the peripheral blood, but when there is infection or inflammation, especially when the body is invaded by bacteria or other microorganisms, it will trigger the production of chemokines (these factors include interleukin-8, interferon-g, and complement C5a). The receptors on the cell surface can detect the gradient of chemical factors and guide the migration of neutrophils. Neutrophils will leave the blood vessels and migrate to the site of inflammation or injury to engulf bacteria. This process is called "chemotaxis".

Bacteria are broken down and digested by a variety of enzymes contained within their cells. In severe cases, the granulocytes themselves also die and become so-called pus cells.

Many physiological and pathological factors can cause changes in the dynamics of neutrophils. Changes in physiological factors are mostly temporary; pathological increases can be seen in various purulent bacterial infections, severe tissue trauma, acute bleeding or hemolysis, acute poisoning, leukemia, etc.

Neutrophils account for a larger proportion, so the increase or decrease in neutrophils has the greatest impact on the total white blood cell count. In other words, changes in the total white blood cell count mostly reflect changes in neutrophils. In clinical practice, it is important not only to understand the total number of white blood cells, but also to know the percentage of each type of cell and their morphological changes.

After knowing what the absolute neutrophil value is, you also need to pay attention to the fact that there are many factors that lead to abnormal absolute neutrophil value. Some diseases or viral infections may cause abnormal absolute neutrophil value. Therefore, when treating, you must pay attention to combining other physical examination results to carry out treatment. One-sided treatment cannot completely cure the disease.