Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell in the human body. The body needs neutrophils to help fight infection, while protecting it from the threat of disease.
White blood cells have a major role in the immune system. Of the several types of white blood cells, neutrophils are the most numerous type, which is about 55 to 70 percent.
Functions of Neutrophils for the Body
In general, there are 2 types of white blood cells that are important to know, namely neutrophils and lymphocytes. Both of them function to maintain the immune system. While lymphocytes fight bacteria or viruses by producing antibodies, neutrophils fight the infection directly.
Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Unlike other white blood cells, neutrophils can leave blood vessels and enter infected body tissues to fight bacteria or viruses.
Counting Neutrophil Levels
Neutrophil levels in the body can be determined through a complete blood test. This test is generally done to diagnose a disease or monitor the progress of the disease. Ideally, neutrophil levels in adults range from 1,500–8,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Each person's neutrophil levels can be different, depending on gender, age, drugs or therapy being consumed, and of course each individual's health condition.
Therefore, it is best to tell your doctor if you are having radiotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, or have recently had surgery before you have a complete blood count.
Disorders of Neutrophils
If the results of the examination show that the level of neutrophils in the body is higher or lower than normal levels, it means that there is a disorder in these white blood cells. In general, disorders of neutrophils can be divided into 2 forms, namely:
Neutropenia
Neutropenia is a condition when the level of neutrophils in the blood is below normal limits. Several conditions can cause neutropenia, including vitamin B12 deficiency, aplastic anemia, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, or the side effects of certain medications or chemotherapy.
Neutrophilia
Neutrophilia is a condition when the level of neutrophils in the blood exceeds normal limits. Several conditions that cause neutrophilia, including strenuous exercise, smoking habits, experiencing severe stress, trauma, or burns, and infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, or blood cancer.
Neutrophils are an important factor in the body's immune system. Neutrophil levels can also describe your health condition. Even so, this is not the only benchmark that can be seen.
If you experience a complaint, consult a doctor. If your doctor recommends that you do a complete blood count to see white blood cell or neutrophil levels, ask your doctor what the purpose of the test is and what you need to prepare before taking the test.