Glossary term
Neutrophils
Part of: Blood Test Results
- Reading time
- 3 min read
- Reading level
- Written in plain English
- Review status
- Source checked · Clinical review not recorded
A type of white blood cell that helps your body respond to infection.
Medipher explains medical wording in plain English — it does not diagnose or replace a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
What is this?
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They are made in the bone marrow and help the body defend itself against infection.
An absolute count describes the number of neutrophils in a volume of blood. A percentage describes their share of all the white blood cells in the sample. These are not interchangeable, and the total white blood cell count is a separate result.
Why is it important?
A white cell differential measures the different types of white blood cells. Clinicians use the pattern of results, rather than the neutrophil result alone, to help assess infection and other conditions affecting the immune system.
Counts can change with illness or medicines. A result outside the printed reference range does not, on its own, tell you the cause.
Where you'll see it: Full blood count (FBC / CBC) reports with a white cell differential. Neutrophils may be shown as an absolute count, a percentage, or both.
Does an abnormal result always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. A number that sits outside the printed range is a prompt for interpretation — not a diagnosis.
- One neutrophil result alone does not give a diagnosis.
- Your symptoms, medical history, medicines and other blood results matter.
- A count and a percentage need to be read with their own units and reference information.
When should I speak to a healthcare professional?
Speak with your GP or another healthcare professional if:
- Your clinician has asked you to follow up or repeat the test.
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You are unsure what your result means or what to do next.
If you have severe symptoms — chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, heavy bleeding or feel very unwell — seek urgent help. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Medipher is designed to help explain medical information and is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
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Sources
General patient information referenced when writing this page.
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About this page
- Author
- Omer Suliman
- Medical reviewer
- Clinical review pending
Evidence. Written from public patient-information sources including the NHS, NICE and the Association for Laboratory Medicine, and reviewed for plain-English accuracy before publication.
Educational content only. Medipher explains medical language in plain English. It does not diagnose, and it is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Read the medical disclaimer.
Nearly there — keep going.
A short summary and recommended next reads are just below.
Continue learning
- Next upWhite Blood CellsThe cells that fight infection and help the immune system respond to illness.
- Next upReference rangeThe band of values a laboratory expects to see in most healthy people tested in the same way.
- Next upPlateletsSmall cells that help your blood clot when you cut or injure yourself.
This glossary entry is general health information, not medical advice. Medipher explains medical wording in plain English and does not diagnose, provide treatment advice, or replace a GP, doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Always discuss your results with a qualified clinician.