Granulocytes
Granulocytes are the most common type of white blood cell. They contain enzyme granules, which form in the cytoplasm, the thick semi-fluid solution that fills each cell. Typically granulocytes fully develop in the bone marrow before travelling into the bloodstream.
Why it matters: A blood test is the only way to check granulocyte levels, and a provider can determine the granulocyte count with a complete blood count, a routine blood test. On the results, the figures are often followed by "abs", short for absolute, which refers to the absolute number of the cells per unit volume. A high granulocyte count, called granulocytosis, could indicate several issues including infection, blood cell cancer or some type of autoimmune disease, and bone marrow conditions are also a primary cause. A low granulocyte count, called neutropenia or granulocytopenia, usually points to a blood or bone marrow condition such as aplastic anaemia or leukaemia, and agranulocytosis is a severe form of neutropenia. Immature granulocytes in the bloodstream could mean there is a problem with the bone marrow, or could simply indicate an early-stage response to infection; pregnant women and newborn babies may naturally have immature granulocytes, where they indicate a healthy bone marrow response and are not a cause for concern.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, related conditions
What is Granulocytes?
Granulocytes are the most common type of white blood cell. They contain enzyme granules, which form in the cytoplasm, the thick semi-fluid solution that fills each cell. Typically granulocytes fully develop in the bone marrow before travelling into the bloodstream.
What might a high or low Granulocytes mean?
A blood test is the only way to check granulocyte levels, and a provider can determine the granulocyte count with a complete blood count, a routine blood test. On the results, the figures are often followed by "abs", short for absolute, which refers to the absolute number of the cells per unit volume. A high granulocyte count, called granulocytosis, could indicate several issues including infection, blood cell cancer or some type of autoimmune disease, and bone marrow conditions are also a primary cause. A low granulocyte count, called neutropenia or granulocytopenia, usually points to a blood or bone marrow condition such as aplastic anaemia or leukaemia, and agranulocytosis is a severe form of neutropenia. Immature granulocytes in the bloodstream could mean there is a problem with the bone marrow, or could simply indicate an early-stage response to infection; pregnant women and newborn babies may naturally have immature granulocytes, where they indicate a healthy bone marrow response and are not a cause for concern.
What is the typical reference range for Granulocytes?
The general-population reference range shown here is 2 – 7.5 10^3/uL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
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