Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body, playing a critical role in the immune system’s ability to combat infections. The NEU test, often included in a complete blood count (CBC), measures the number of neutrophils in the blood. A low NEU count suggests that the body has fewer neutrophils than normal, which can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off infections. Conversely, a high NEU count typically indicates that the body is responding to stress, often due to a bacterial infection, and is producing more neutrophils to address the issue.
What is NEU (Neutrophil)?
Neutrophils, abbreviated as NEUs, are a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections, controlling inflammation, and addressing conditions like leukemia. Produced in the bone marrow, neutrophils are tasked with identifying, capturing, and destroying harmful bacteria and microorganisms that invade the body. In blood tests, neutrophils are represented as NEUs.
These cells are not only involved in combating infections but also communicate with other cells to repair damaged tissues and regulate inflammation. Neutrophils are highly adaptable, capable of changing shape to navigate through blood vessels, tissues, and lymph nodes to reach sites of infection.
What Should Be the Normal Value of NEU (Neutrophil)?
The NEU value reflects the number of neutrophils in the blood, which are crucial for initiating immune responses against infectious agents. Neutrophils constitute approximately 50% to 70% of all circulating white blood cells and serve as the body’s primary defense mechanism. In healthy adults, the normal range for neutrophils is between 1,500 and 7,000 per microliter of blood. A neutrophil count above 7,000 or below 2,500 is considered abnormal and may indicate underlying health issues.
A high neutrophil count, or neutrophilia, occurs when the absolute neutrophil count exceeds the normal range, often signaling an infection or inflammatory condition. On the other hand, a significantly low neutrophil count may point to bone marrow disorders, severe infections, or side effects from treatments like chemotherapy.
The absolute neutrophil count varies by age:
- Newborns: 6,000 – 26,000 mcL
- 1 week old: 1,000 – 10,000 mcL
- 6 months old: 1,000 – 8,500 mcL
- Children: 1,000 – 8,000 mcL
NEU (Neutrophil) Height
Neutrophilia, or an elevated neutrophil count, is defined as having more than 7,000 neutrophils per microliter of blood. This condition often indicates that the body is actively fighting an infection, disease, or experiencing stress due to factors like intense physical activity.
Common causes of neutrophilia include:
- Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
- Heart attack
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Leukemia
- Steroid use
- Blood transfusion
- Stress
- Intense exercise
- Injury
- Drug reactions
- Down Syndrome
- Surgical removal of the spleen
Additionally, high neutrophil levels can be associated with conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and anemia. Certain cancers, like chronic neutrophilic leukemia and neutrophilic chronic myeloid leukemia, are characterized by excessive neutrophil production due to mutations in bone marrow stem cells.
Neutrophil counts are categorized into three levels:
- Mild neutropenia: 1,000 – 1,500 μL
- Moderate neutropenia: 500 – 1,000 μL
- Severe neutropenia: Below 500 μL
What are the symptoms of high neutrophil count?
Symptoms of high neutrophil levels can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include weakness, palpitations, joint pain, constipation, and shortness of breath.
How to lower neutrophil count?
Since elevated neutrophils are often a response to inflammation or infection, treatment focuses on addressing the root cause. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for infections or adjust medications if they are contributing to the high neutrophil count.
What is Low NEU (Neutrophil) Count?
Neutropenia, or a low neutrophil count, occurs when the number of neutrophils falls below 2,500 per microliter of blood. This condition can result from infections like hepatitis, tuberculosis, or sepsis, as well as autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, leukemia, or side effects of medications and chemotherapy. With fewer neutrophils, the body struggles to defend itself against infections and diseases.
What Causes Low NEU?
A low neutrophil count can arise when the body destroys neutrophils faster than the bone marrow can produce them. Common causes include:
- Infections: Hepatitis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease
- Chemotherapy
- Sepsis
- Bone marrow disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies: B12, folate, copper
- Autoimmune diseases: Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
- Excessive stress
- Malnutrition
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Medications: Antibiotics, psychiatric drugs
What are the symptoms of low neutrophil count?
Symptoms of neutropenia may include fever, skin abscesses, mouth sores, fatigue, sweating, throat and abdominal pain, painful urination, itching, and vaginal discharge. These symptoms vary depending on the cause of the neutrophil deficiency.
How to Increase Neutrophil Count?
To boost neutrophil levels, it may be necessary to strengthen the immune system through dietary changes or medical interventions. Consuming foods rich in iron, zinc, B12, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E can help. Protein-rich foods are also beneficial. Other strategies include:
- Adjusting chemotherapy doses if applicable
- Receiving white blood cell transfusions
- Discontinuing medications that lower white blood cell counts
- Taking antibiotics or medications that stimulate white blood cell production
What tests can be used to learn NEU (Neutrophil)?
Neutrophils are vital for the immune system’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. To determine neutrophil levels, healthcare providers may recommend the following tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of cells in the blood, including neutrophils.
- Absolute neutrophil count: This test calculates the exact number of neutrophils in a blood sample.
- Bone marrow biopsy: This procedure examines the bone marrow to assess neutrophil production and identify any abnormalities.
Frequently Asked Questions About NEU (Neutrophil)
What are the foods that increase neutrophils?
Foods that can help increase neutrophil levels include:
- Red meat, white meat, and fish
- Yogurt and cheese
- Eggs
- Melons and watermelons
- Green tea
- Parsley and spinach
- Almonds
How does low neutrophil count occur in babies?
In babies, a low neutrophil count is usually not a cause for concern. Neutrophil levels in infants can fluctuate rapidly, often increasing and decreasing without long-term issues.
What is hemogram neu?
The term “hemogram neu” refers to the neutrophil count measured in a complete blood count (CBC) test. It indicates the number of neutrophils, which are the body’s first line of defense against infections. A high hemogram neu suggests that the body is under stress, possibly due to infection, inflammation, or intense physical activity.