What it means
Part of a complete blood count. The five types are neutrophils (which fight bacteria), lymphocytes (viruses and immune memory), monocytes, eosinophils (allergy and parasites) and basophils. Each pattern points in a direction: many young neutrophils called bands (a "shift to the left") suggests a bacterial infection, for example. The absolute neutrophil countAB-suh-loot NOO-truh-fil kowntThe number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight bacterial infection, in a set amount of blood.Full entry is worked out from it.
At a glance
| Normal range | Neutrophils about 55–70%; lymphocytes 20–40%; monocytes 2–8%; eosinophils 1–4%; basophils 0.5–1%. Ranges vary by lab. |
|---|---|
| Also written | differential count, white blood cell differential, WBC diff |
Related terms
neutrophil
The most common type of white blood cell, which is first to reach and destroy bacteria at a site of infection.
lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that targets specific germs and abnormal cells, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.
absolute neutrophil count
The number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight bacterial infection, in a set amount of blood.