Neutrophils (percentage)
Neutrophils (percentage) tell what PERCENTAGE of the white blood cells are neutrophils. The percentage alone depends on the other subtypes — for assessment the absolute count is often more important.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Worth improving | below 40 % | Low neutrophil percentage — assess with the absolute count. |
| Good | 40 – 75 % | Within the reference range. |
| Worth improving | 75 % and above | Elevated percentage — often with infection/inflammation; assess with the absolute count. |
Why it matters
The percentage is informative, but clinically the absolute count matters more (the percentage changes even if another cell type changes).
If it’s low
A low percentage of neutrophils (often with a high percentage of lymphocytes) is characteristic of viral infections.
If it’s high
A high percentage of neutrophils often accompanies a bacterial infection, inflammation or stress.
What to do
Read the percentage together with the absolute count and the other subtypes — the pattern tells more than a single value.
When to see a doctor
An abnormality with signs of disease (fever, infections)
Read together with
Neutrophils (abs.) · Lymphocytes (percentage) · Leukocytes (WBC)
Articles about this marker
- High or low neutrophils: what your blood test 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.
Your number, not the average
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