Lab test glossary · Blood count
Neutrophils: what it means
Also known as: absolute neutrophil count, neuts, polys
Neutrophils are your most common white blood cell and first responders to bacterial infection; the count rises with infection and can fall from some medications or conditions.
What it measures
Neutrophils are the white blood cells that rush to bacterial infections and inflammation first. On a CBC differential, they're usually the largest slice of the white-cell count, so a change in neutrophils often drives a change in the total.
Typical range
Often roughly 40–70% of white cells, or an absolute count around 1,500–8,000 cells/µL.
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Bacterial infection or inflammation
- Physical stress, steroids, or smoking
- Less commonly, bone-marrow conditions
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
What a low result can mean
- Some viral infections
- Certain medications (including chemotherapy)
- Autoimmune or bone-marrow conditions
Why the trend matters
A one-off neutrophil bump often just means you were fighting something; the trend distinguishes that from a persistent pattern.
When to talk to your doctor
A very high or, especially, a very low neutrophil count is worth prompt discussion with your doctor.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.