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Neutrophils Test

Neutrophils Test

January 21, 2026
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Do I need a Neutrophils test?

Experiencing frequent infections, slow wound healing, or unexplained fatigue? Could your immune system be struggling, and might measuring your neutrophils reveal what's happening?

Neutrophils are your body's first-line defenders against infection. When their levels are off, you become more vulnerable to illness and slower to recover.

Testing your neutrophils gives you a vital snapshot of your immune strength, helping pinpoint whether low defenses are behind your recurring infections or persistent fatigue. It's the essential first step to getting answers and personalizing your health plan to rebuild your resilience.

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Get tested with Superpower

If you’ve been postponing blood testing for years or feel frustrated by doctor appointments and limited lab panels, you are not alone. Standard healthcare is often reactive, focusing on testing only after symptoms appear or leaving patients in the dark.

Superpower flips that approach. We give you full insight into your body with over 100 biomarkers, personalized action plans, long-term tracking, and answers to your questions, so you can stay ahead of any health issues.

With physician-reviewed results, CLIA-certified labs, and the option for at-home blood draws, Superpower is designed for people who want clarity, convenience, and real accountability - all in one place.

Key benefits of Neutrophils testing

  • Reveals your body's frontline defense against bacterial infections and inflammation.
  • Spots immune system stress from infection, autoimmune disease, or medication effects.
  • Flags bone marrow problems that may reduce infection-fighting white blood cells.
  • Guides antibiotic decisions when fever or infection symptoms appear unexpectedly.
  • Tracks chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drug safety by monitoring infection risk.
  • Clarifies unexplained fatigue, recurrent infections, or slow wound healing patterns.
  • Best interpreted with total white blood cell count and your symptom timeline.

What is Neutrophils?

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in your bloodstream, making up 50 to 70 percent of all circulating immune cells. They are produced in the bone marrow and released into the blood as part of your body's first-line defense system. These cells are short-lived, typically surviving only 6 to 12 hours in circulation before migrating into tissues or dying off.

Your body's rapid-response infection fighters

Neutrophils act as frontline soldiers against bacterial and fungal infections. When tissue is damaged or invaded by pathogens, chemical signals recruit neutrophils to the site within minutes. They engulf and destroy microbes through a process called phagocytosis, and they release antimicrobial chemicals to kill invaders.

A window into inflammation and immune activity

The number of neutrophils in your blood reflects how actively your immune system is responding to infection, injury, or stress. Because they rise quickly during acute illness and normalize as you recover, neutrophil counts serve as a dynamic marker of immune activation and overall inflammatory status in the body.

Why is Neutrophils important?

Neutrophils are your body's first responders to infection and tissue injury, making up the majority of white blood cells and forming the frontline of your immune defense. They surge to sites of bacterial invasion, engulf pathogens, and release antimicrobial chemicals. Their count reflects how well your bone marrow can mobilize protection and whether your immune system is balanced or overwhelmed.

Typical neutrophil counts range from about 1,500 to 7,000 cells per microliter, with optimal values sitting comfortably in the middle. Values toward the lower end of normal are generally fine if stable, but dips below this range signal vulnerability.

When your infection fighters run low

Low neutrophil counts, called neutropenia, leave you exposed to bacterial and fungal infections that healthy immune systems easily contain. You may experience frequent fevers, mouth sores, skin infections, or pneumonia. This can result from bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy, autoimmune attack, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications.

When your immune system is on high alert

Elevated neutrophils, or neutrophilia, typically signal active infection, inflammation, physical stress, or tissue damage. You might see this during bacterial pneumonia, appendicitis, heart attack, or even intense exercise. Chronic elevation can accompany smoking, obesity, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The bigger immune picture

Neutrophil levels connect directly to bone marrow health, inflammatory tone, and infection risk across all organ systems. Persistent abnormalities may point to underlying blood disorders, chronic inflammation, or immune dysfunction that affects wound healing, cardiovascular risk, and long-term resilience.

What do my Neutrophils results mean?

Low neutrophil levels

Low values usually reflect reduced production in the bone marrow, increased destruction in circulation, or sequestration in tissues. This can occur with viral infections that suppress marrow activity, autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks its own neutrophils, nutritional deficiencies like B12 or folate depletion, or certain medications including chemotherapy. The condition is called neutropenia. When neutrophil counts drop significantly, the body loses its primary defense against bacterial and fungal infections, increasing vulnerability to serious illness.

Optimal neutrophil levels

Being in range suggests your bone marrow is producing neutrophils at a healthy rate and your immune system is maintaining balanced surveillance without excessive activation. Neutrophils typically make up the majority of white blood cells in adults, and stable counts within the reference range indicate readiness to respond to infection or tissue injury without chronic inflammation.

High neutrophil levels

High values usually reflect an active immune response to bacterial infection, physical stress, tissue injury, or inflammation. This is called neutrophilia. The bone marrow releases more neutrophils into circulation to fight invaders or repair damage. Chronic elevation can occur with ongoing inflammation, smoking, metabolic syndrome, or certain blood disorders. Pregnancy and corticosteroid use also raise neutrophil counts physiologically.

Factors that influence neutrophil interpretation

Neutrophil counts vary with acute illness, recent exercise, stress, and time of day. Some individuals have benign ethnic neutropenia with chronically lower baseline counts that are normal for them.

Method: FDA-cleared clinical laboratory assay performed in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratories. Used to aid clinician-directed evaluation and monitoring. Not a stand-alone diagnosis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How it works
What should I expect during a blood draw?
  • A trained phlebotomist will guide you through the process.
  • A tourniquet is placed on your arm, the site is cleaned, and a small needle is used to collect blood into one or more tubes.
  • Results are usually ready in about a week.
  • Most people feel only a quick pinch.
  • The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a bandage is placed.
How do I prepare for a blood draw?
  • Drink plenty of water beforehand — hydration makes veins easier to find.
  • Wear loose sleeves so your arm is easy to access.
  • Follow any fasting instructions you’ve been given.
  • Let us know if you’re on medications, have fainted before, or have needle anxiety.
What should I do after my blood draw?
  • Press gently on the site for a few minutes.
  • Keep the bandage on for 4-6 hours.
  • Skip heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Drink extra water to rehydrate.
  • Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or pain.
How do I book a blood draw with Superpower?

Your membership includes:

  • An annual full body test and report across 100+ biomarkers
  • A personalized action plan to optimize your biomarkers and reach your health goals
  • A dashboard to centralize your health data and track changes across a lifetime
  • Access to a health concierge for questions on your plan and help scheduling
  • Plus a marketplace of curated health products and services cheaper than amazon

Many concierge clinics charge $10k – $100k for their services, we’ve built technology to make the world’s best healthcare as accessible as possible via an all-in-one membership.

Where can I take my blood test?

Superpower is currently available in the following US states:

  • Alabama
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Our testing
Does Superpower replace my primary care provider?

Superpower specializes in prevention-based testing and treatments and is not intended for emergency or immediate health issues.

While you will have a Superpower care team, your annual membership is designed to complement a primary care doctor if you have one, not replace them.

We are happy to help you share any test results with an outside provider to ensure you receive well-rounded medical care.

How fast are blood test results and how do I read them?

Your annual lab test panel takes about a week to process. We will text you as soon as they become available in your dashboard. Other types of tests may have different testing windows. The Superpower concierge is your own health assistant who helps answer your questions on your results, ensure smooth scheduling, coordination of any office-based tests, specialist referrals as needed, and navigating you to interface with your care team.

Does Superpower accept health insurance?

Superpower membership and products are all eligible for HSA/FSA funding.

We see Superpower like a gym membership for those committed to prevention and performance. Superpower is a bridge between wellness and healthcare. Health insurance traditionally focuses on reactive care whereas, at Superpower, we believe it’s never too early to start looking out for your long-term health.

What if I want more than 1 blood test per year?

Absolutely — you're not limited to just one. Your membership includes one comprehensive 100+ biomarker blood test each year, but if you'd like to track your progress more closely, you can add extra tests at any time. Each additional full-panel test costs $179. You can order as many as you'd like throughout the year.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Neutrophils Test

What are neutrophils in a blood test, and what do they do in the immune system?

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell, made in the bone marrow and typically representing about 50–70% of circulating white blood cells. As part of the innate immune system, they act as first responders to infection and inflammation. They rapidly move to sites of injury or infection, engulf bacteria and fungi (phagocytosis), release antimicrobial chemicals, and form traps that immobilize microbes.

What are the key benefits of neutrophils testing for infection and inflammation?

Neutrophils testing gives a snapshot of immune activity and inflammatory stress. It can flag serious bacterial infections early (such as bacterial pneumonia or bloodstream infections), guide antibiotic decisions when fever or infection symptoms appear, and help explain recurrent infections, slow wound healing, or unexplained fatigue. It’s also useful for spotting immune suppression from chemotherapy, autoimmune disease, or certain medications, and for tracking bone marrow recovery after treatment.

What is the normal (typical) neutrophil count range, and what is considered optimal?

Typical neutrophil counts are about 1,500 to 7,000 cells per microliter. Many healthy people function well across the normal range, and values toward the lower end of normal can still provide adequate protection. “Optimal” function is often described as being comfortably mid-range, reflecting balanced bone marrow production and immune readiness without signs of excessive inflammation or chronic immune activation.

What does a low neutrophil count (neutropenia) mean, and why is it dangerous?

Low neutrophils - called neutropenia - usually indicate reduced bone marrow production, increased destruction, or redistribution into tissues. Because neutrophils are frontline defenders against bacterial and fungal infections, neutropenia increases susceptibility to infections and can lead to severe illness from minor cuts, dental problems, or respiratory exposures. Severe neutropenia can raise the risk of life-threatening infections that a healthy immune system would normally control.

What causes low neutrophils, including chemotherapy, autoimmune disease, or vitamin deficiency?

Common causes of low neutrophils include chemotherapy and other immune-suppressing medications, autoimmune conditions that attack neutrophils, and temporary bone marrow suppression from viral infections. Nutritional deficiencies - especially vitamin B12 or folate - can also reduce neutrophil production. In some cases, bone marrow disorders may impair production. Because causes vary widely, results are best interpreted alongside symptoms and other blood counts.

What does a high neutrophil count (neutrophilia) mean, and what conditions can trigger it?

High neutrophils - neutrophilia - typically reflect an active response to bacterial infection, inflammation, or physical stress. Counts often rise with bacterial pneumonia, appendicitis, surgery, trauma, or acute illness. Other triggers include smoking, corticosteroid use, and emotional or physical stress. Persistent elevation may suggest chronic inflammatory conditions or, less commonly, bone marrow disorders that overproduce white blood cells.

How are neutrophils related to wound healing, recurrent infections, and unexplained fatigue?

Neutrophils help control microbes at injury sites and support early immune defense, so low levels can contribute to slow wound healing and recurrent or severe infections. Neutropenia can also be associated with unexplained fevers and ongoing fatigue due to repeated immune challenges. Conversely, high neutrophils may reflect ongoing inflammation or infection that can also drive fatigue. Tracking trends can help connect symptoms to immune readiness.

How should neutrophil results be interpreted with total white blood cell count and symptoms?

Neutrophil counts are best interpreted alongside the total white blood cell (WBC) count and your symptom pattern, because neutrophils are only one part of the immune picture. A high neutrophil count with fever may support bacterial infection, while low neutrophils can explain increased infection risk even if symptoms are mild. Context matters because infections, inflammation, stress, and medications can shift both WBC and neutrophil levels.

What factors can temporarily change neutrophil counts (medications, pregnancy, stress, time of day)?

Neutrophil levels can vary with acute illness, physical or emotional stress, pregnancy, and medications such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy. Counts can also shift based on time of day and short-term inflammatory changes. Because these factors can cause temporary increases or decreases, a single abnormal result may not reflect a long-term problem. Persistent abnormalities or concerning symptoms generally warrant follow-up and trend monitoring.

Why do doctors monitor neutrophils during chemotherapy or immune-suppressing therapy for bone marrow recovery?

Chemotherapy and immune-suppressing therapies can reduce bone marrow production of neutrophils, increasing the risk of serious bacterial and fungal infections. Monitoring neutrophils helps identify immune suppression early, guide precautions and treatment decisions (including when fever occurs), and track bone marrow recovery after cancer treatment. Neutrophil trends can indicate whether immune defenses are returning to safer levels or if additional evaluation is needed.

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