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Neutrophils
The most abundant white blood cells — the first line of defense against bacteria. Rise in bacterial infections and stress; fall after viral infections and with bone marrow suppression.
Other names: Neutrophils, NEU, NEUTSection: Blood cells
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortNeutrophils are the main antibacterial defense cells and the largest white cell population. A typical share is 40–60% of all leukocytes. They rise in bacterial infections, inflammation and stress, and fall after viral infections and with bone marrow suppression.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Share of all leukocytes
40–60%
The source gives 40–60% of all white blood cells (band forms are a separate line, usually up to 3%). The source gives this share of all white blood cells; many labs also report absolute counts. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
Neutrophils are the dominant leukocyte population: they arrive first at a site of bacterial inflammation, engulf microbes and die, forming pus. The lab report shows their percentage of all leukocytes and often the absolute count.
Always read neutrophils together with the total white cell count: the same percentage means different things at different leukocyte levels. High neutrophils (neutrophilia) typically answer bacterial infection, inflammation, stress and steroid use; low counts (neutropenia) raise infection risk and call for a cause.
When it is high
Bacterial infectionsStrep throat, pneumonia, pyelonephritis — classic causes of neutrophilia with a raised total white count.
Inflammation and tissue necrosisHeart attack, burns, the postoperative period — neutrophils respond to tissue damage.
Stress and physical exertionA short physiological rise after intense exercise, pain or strong emotion.
GlucocorticoidsPrednisone and similar drugs cause steady neutrophilia without infection.
Blood disordersMyeloproliferative diseases drive marked neutrophil growth — assessed by a hematologist.
When it is low
Viral infectionsFlu, viral hepatitis and others temporarily lower neutrophils.
Bone marrow suppressionChemotherapy, radiation and some medicines reduce cell production.
B12 and folate deficiencyImpaired cell maturation — neutropenia combined with anemia.
Severe infections and sepsisIn massive inflammation neutrophils are consumed faster than produced.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Time of dayStress and exerciseSmokingGlucocorticoids
How to prepare
A CBC with differential is taken in the morning while fasting; do not smoke or exercise within an hour before the draw. Results vary with time of day and recent stress — retest at the same time. Always read the differential together with the total white count.
When a retest makes sense
If abnormal during an infection — 1–2 weeks after recovery; if persistently abnormal without a cause — recheck in 2–4 weeks with a full differential.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: GP or pediatrician; for persistent abnormalities — hematologist. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: NeutrophilsNEUNEUTSegmented neutrophilsBand neutrophilsPolymorphonuclear cells
Units
Measured in: % of white blood cells
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
Neutrophils are up but the total white count is normal — what gives?
Percentages show share, not quantity. Check the absolute neutrophil count on your report: if it is within range, the shift often reflects fewer cells of another type, such as lymphocytes.
What are band neutrophils?
Young cell forms. Their rise (a 'left shift') means the marrow is urgently releasing new cells — typical of active bacterial infection.
Is 65% neutrophils bad?
A modest excess of the typical range is common after stress, exercise or mild inflammation. Compare with your report's reference and weigh together with the total white count and ESR.
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