Monocytes (abs.)
Monocytes are a white blood cell subtype that clear away dead cells and microbes and trigger the immune response. In tissues they become macrophages. The absolute count tells how many are circulating.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to a doctor | below 0.2 10^9/L | Below the limit — seek advice. |
| Good | 0.2 – 1 10^9/L | Within the reference range. |
| Talk to a doctor | 1 10^9/L and above | Above the limit — seek advice. |
Why it matters
The pattern helps in chronic infections/inflammation.
If it’s low
Low monocytes are mostly insignificant; they can accompany some medications or bone marrow impairment.
If it’s high
Elevated monocytes often accompany chronic infections/inflammation, autoimmune diseases or the recovery phase after an infection.
What to do
Read it in the context of the full blood count. A mild rise during recovery is common and harmless.
When to see a doctor
Persistently high monocytes without explanation → seek advice
Read together with
Leukocytes (WBC) · hs-CRP
Part of the guide: Complete blood count (CBC) →
Articles about this marker
- High monocytes and basophils: what they mean on a blood testComplete blood count (CBC)
- High or low lymphocytes: what your blood test meansComplete blood count (CBC)
- White blood cell differential: what each type of white cell meansComplete blood count (CBC)
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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