Neutrophil countNutrition library
LibraryBlood markersFull blood count & differentials
Neutrophil count
The absolute neutrophil count is the largest component of the white-cell differential, and it rises physiologically in pregnancy.
Neutrophilic leukocytosis is the main driver behind the rising total WBC through gestation, and counts rise further again in labour. Read it with total WBC and neutrophil percentage rather than on its own.
How to read it
This marker carries only a non-pregnant adult band, so late-gestation results can flag high without being abnormal. A persistently low count is the more meaningful finding — and infection workup still needs clinical signs, not the count alone.