What are band neutrophils and their norm in the blood

Of course, blood tests play a significant role in diagnosing diseases. Knowing the participation of different types of leukocytes in the life of the body allows us to timely identify abnormalities and suspect pathology.

Band neutrophils are part of a large group of granulocytes and are precursors or younger (they are also called “young”) cells of the segmented type. They differ from their successors by having an undivided core of an oblong or twisted structure.

Doctors call them “sticks”, and if they are angry, “sticks”. Doctors of all specialties are familiar with the indicator.

Methods for counting quantities

Band neutrophils, like all blood cells, are counted in the finished smear after staining. They react to both acidic and alkaline reactions of paints. That's why they are called neutrophils.

A total count of cells of each type contained in a unit volume is carried out. For “rods” the absolute amount is normal from 1.8 to 6.5 x 109/liter of blood.

A more important indicator is the percentage of band forms in the total number of leukocytes. A detailed calculation of all types is the leukocyte formula.

On the right are the final cells: all with “freckles”, which means “granulocytes”, in the middle row the penultimate one is a band neutrophil

Norms

The norm of young neutrophils differs only in the first two weeks after the birth of children. The newborn gets rid of the mother's blood cells and begins to produce their own. During this period, there is a violation of the ratio between band and segmented neutrophils: the level of “segments” is 50–70%, and “rods” is from 3 to 12%.

Such a “distortion” quickly normalizes and throughout the rest of the child’s life and in adulthood it will be in normal conditions from 1 to 6%.

The level does not depend on the age of the adult; it is the same in men and women.

Interpretation of a general blood test

Below are the most basic indicators of the KBC, their functions in the body, and the reasons for deviations upward or downward.

Red blood cells

These are small elastic cells containing hemoglobin in their cytoplasm. Due to their elasticity, they easily pass through vessels of any caliber. They are produced in the bone marrow, the viability of one cell is about 3-4 months.

Red blood cells perform the following function: they carry oxygen from the lungs to all human tissues and organs, and on the way back from the tissues to the lungs they bring carbon dioxide. All this happens by adding gases to the hemoglobin of the red blood cell.

The norm of red blood cells when deciphering tests is on average from 3.8 to 5.0 1012/l

• An increase in red blood cells in a general blood test is possible with dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, diseases of the blood system (erythremia, Vaquez disease), cardiac and respiratory failure.
• their reduction can occur with blood loss, leukemia and lymphomas, congenital hematopoietic defects, hemolytic anemia, oncology, insufficient intake of protein, iron and vitamins.

It should be remembered that the norm of red blood cells, as well as other indicators, may differ in different laboratories. In which, moreover, errors are not excluded. Therefore, a borderline result does not always indicate a serious illness.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. It is due to this that the function of gas exchange between the lung tissue and all cells of the body is performed. A deviation in hemoglobin levels from the norm can cause a person to feel unwell, weak, and easily fatigued. This is due to a lack of oxygen in organs, including the brain.

The normal hemoglobin content in a general blood test is on average 120-160 g/l, depending on the gender and age of the subject.

• An increase in hemoglobin can occur due to dehydration due to diabetes mellitus, vomiting and diarrhea, due to heart failure, overdose of diuretics, pulmonary failure, heart defects, diseases of the blood and urinary system.
• A decrease in hemoglobin in a general blood test is possible with anemia of various origins and other blood diseases, blood loss, insufficient intake of protein, vitamins, and iron

Leukocytes

These are white blood cells synthesized in the bone marrow. They perform the most important defense function in the body, aimed at foreign objects, infections, and foreign protein molecules. They are also able to dissolve damaged body tissue, which is one of the stages of inflammation. The viability of these cells varies from several hours to several years.

The norm of leukocytes in a general blood test corresponds to 4.0-9.0 109/l.

• An increase in leukocytes in the CBC is possible due to physiological errors (pregnancy, donating blood after meals, heavy physical activity, after vaccinations), inflammatory processes of a systemic or local nature, extensive injuries and burns, active autoimmune diseases, in the postoperative period, with oncology, leukemias and leukemias.
• If, when reading a blood test, leukocytes are reduced, the presence of viral infections, systemic autoimmune diseases, leukemia, radiation sickness, and hypovitaminosis is acceptable. Taking cytostatics and steroids may also affect this.

Color index

The color index (CI) is determined by a calculation method using a special formula. It shows the average concentration of hemoglobin protein (Hb) in one red blood cell.

Normally, the CPU is 0.8-1.0, without units of measurement.

• Its increase may indicate the presence of hyperchromic anemia (vitamin D deficiency).
• A decrease is possible in iron deficiency anemia, posthemorrhagic anemia, leukemia and lymphoma, and chronic organ diseases.

Hematocrit

This is an indicator reflecting the ratio of blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets) to the total blood volume. The analysis is carried out by centrifugation or using analyzers.

Normally, the hematocrit is on average 35-50%.

• An increase may indicate erythremia, respiratory failure, heart failure, dehydration due to diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus, diarrhea and vomiting.
• A decrease in hematocrit may be due to anemia, erythrocytopenia, renal failure, pregnancy (third trimester).

Reticulocytes

These are the precursors of red blood cells, their intermediate form. They perform the function of gas exchange, just like red blood cells, but with less efficiency. In a healthy person, reticulocytes, when deciphered, make up 0.2-1.2% of the total number of red blood cells.

• They may be increased during post-hemorrhagic restoration of hematopoiesis, when moving to a mountainous area or when treating anemia.
• Reticulocytes in the general blood test decrease with reticulocytopenia (slow hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, leading to anemia).

Platelets

These are small, flat blood cells that have no color. They perform several important functions - they participate in blood clotting, form platelet thrombus, regulate the tone of the vascular wall, and nourish capillaries.

In a general blood test, the normal platelet count is 180-320 109/l.

• An increase in platelets when deciphering the analysis is possible during splenectomy (removal of the spleen), exacerbation of chronic autoimmune diseases, anemia of various origins, inflammatory processes, in the postoperative period, the third trimester of pregnancy, in oncology, erythremia.
• Platelets in the CBC decrease in hemophilia, drug-induced thrombocytopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, viral and bacterial infections, aplastic anemia, Evans syndrome, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, and renal vein thrombosis.

ESR

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator calculated during a laboratory test. Under the influence of anticoagulants, the erythrocyte sedimentation time is calculated, which depends on the protein composition of the plasma.

This is a highly sensitive indicator; normally it averages from 1 to 15 mm per hour.

• It increases during physiological conditions (pregnancy, menstruation), during infectious diseases, malignant neoplasms, systemic autoimmune diseases, kidney diseases, in the postoperative period, during injuries and burns.
• Decreased in astheno-neurotic syndrome, recovery from infection, cachexia, long-term use of glucocorticoids, blood clotting disorders, high concentrations of glucose in the blood, traumatic brain injury, use of NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics.

Neutrophils

This is the largest subtype of leukocytes, which, depending on the maturity of the cells, is divided into the following groups - young neutrophils, band neutrophils and segmented neutrophils.

They perform an antimicrobial function, are capable of phagocytosis, and participate in the inflammatory response.

The normal range of neutrophils in a blood test is band 1-6%, segmented 47-67%.

• An increase in neutrophils when decoding a blood test is possible under physiological conditions (sun and temperature exposure, stress, pain, etc.), previous infections, bone marrow diseases, oncology, taking certain medications, ketoacidosis, poisoning with poisons and alcohol, and parasitosis , allergies, hyperglycemia.
• They decrease in the state after chemotherapy, with HIV/AIDS, aplastic anemia, long-term infectious disease, exposure to radiation, deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Lymphocytes

This is also a subtype of leukocytes, presented in the form of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, K and NK lymphocytes.

All of them participate in acquired immunity, synthesize antibodies, destroy not only foreign, but also their own pathological cells (oncological).

The norm of lymphocytes when deciphered in the CBC is 18-40%

• An increase in the general blood test can occur with viral infections (mononucleosis, viral hepatitis and others), toxoplamosis, blood diseases (chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma, leukemia), with arsenic, lead poisoning, taking levodopa, narcotic painkillers.
• Lymphocytes decrease in tuberculosis, HIV, blood diseases (lymphogranulomatosis, aplastic anemia), end-stage renal failure, cancer in the terminal stage and during treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, taking glucocorticoids.

Monocytes

This is a type of the largest leukocytes, also synthesized in the bone marrow. They are able to phagocytose (absorb) viruses, bacteria, tumor and parasitic cells. Regulate hematopoietic function and participate in blood clotting.

The normal blood test for monocyte content is 3-11%.

• an increase in monocytes when deciphered indicates viral, bacterial (tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis), fungal and parasitic infections, inflammation in the regeneration stage, systemic autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), leukemia.
• a decrease in monocytes in a blood test is possible during purulent-inflammatory processes, aplastic anemia, in the postoperative or postpartum period, and when taking steroids.

Quantity changes

The change in the number of band neutrophils depends on the general fluctuations of leukocytes and granulocytes. All five varieties are connected by the function of providing immunity and protecting the body from harmful influences.

The need for an increased level of protective reaction and the beginning of the fight against infectious agents causes an adequate response, accompanied by an increase in the production of “rods” and their maturation into segmented finished cells. The “segments” die after a few days, and new cells take their place from the rod forms.

The general decrease in neutrophils is also reflected in the reduction of “rods” until they completely disappear in the blood. Neutropenia (low) neutrophil levels or an increase in neutrophilia always affects progenitor cells.

Segmented neutrophils are reduced - possible reasons

A decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood most often indicates a protracted course of some disease of viral etiology. These cells do not stay in the bloodstream for long. As they mature, they transform from rod-nuclear to segmented, and within 2-3 hours they leave the bloodstream, concentrating in inflamed tissues.

If the human body has not been subjected to any complex or immune-suppressing procedures, then we can assume:

• severe viral infection, such as measles or rubella.
• allergic reaction;
• infection after a bite, for example, malaria;
• presence of helminths;
• hereditary pathology.

In addition, neutrophils in the blood decrease as a result of:

• radioactive exposure;
• taking a certain group of medications;
• undergoing chemotherapy;
• exposure to exotoxins, poisons and certain chemicals on the body.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary not only to donate blood for analysis, but also to obtain a conclusion from the doctor conducting the examination. The presence of helminths is easily determined using laboratory tests, and infection with malaria should be preceded by a trip to an exotic country and a local insect bite. Therefore, the results of a blood test are not a diagnosis, but a reason to undergo a more in-depth examination to identify or refute a low neutrophil count.

However, with the help of a blood test, it is easier for the doctor to determine the etiology of the disease if the patient comes with complaints about the severity of any symptoms. For example, if the transcript indicates that segmented neutrophils are lower and lymphocytes are higher than normal, this will indicate that the patient has contracted a viral infection and does not need antibacterial therapy.

When band neutrophils are absent

The main causes of neutropenia are associated with suppression (excess) of the production of leukocyte cells. This occurs in severe pathology:

• bacterial infections (typhoid and paratyphoid fever, chronic brucellosis, tularemia);
• viral infection leading to the predominant synthesis of monocytes and lymphocytes and suppression of neutrophils (rubella, diphtheria, scarlet fever, influenza, measles in children, viral hepatitis);
• toxic effect of medications on the processes of blood cell synthesis (sulfonamides, analgesics, interferon, immunosuppressive drugs);
• aplastic anemia and associated with deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12;
• the effects of radiation, radiation and chemotherapy for tumors, leukemia.

In all cases, a decrease in the number of neutrophils and the absence of their band forms indicates suppression of the immune system and a general weakening of the body.

Reasons for deviations from the norm

There are many reasons that can provoke deviations from the norm. The same factors can lead to low and high cell levels.

• Reduced neutrophils in the blood

Reasons for the increase

The human immune system reacts sharply to various external and internal factors. That is why there can be many reasons for the increase in the number of band cells.

The most common of them:

• Progressive type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Long-term use of antibacterial medications, which provokes a weakening of the immune system.
• Viral and cold pathologists in the acute stage.
• Burns, cuts and other injuries to the skin, especially when a large area is affected.
• Gastric ulcer in the acute stage, gastritis.
• Bronchitis in acute and chronic form.
• Myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke.
• Poisoning by the breakdown products of ethyl alcohol.
• Allergic reaction to medications, food or other substances.
• Anemia of varying severity.
• Inflammatory pathologies of joints.
• Infection of the body with intestinal parasites.
• The presence of trophic ulcers on the patient’s body.
• Blood poisoning of the initial or advanced stage.
• The presence of malignant tumors in the body and their decay.

In addition, pathologies of muscles and nerve endings of inflammatory origin can provoke an increase in cell levels.

Reasons for the downgrade

Factors that influence an increase in indicators can also cause a decrease in them.

However, there are other reasons that can lead to deviation:

• Damage to the bone marrow by malignant neoplasms, spread of metastases in the body.
• Systemic diseases.
• Viral pathologies, such as hepatitis or rubella.
• Severe anaphylactic shock threatening the patient's life.
• Advanced tuberculosis.
• Endocarditis.
• Deficiency of folic acid in the body.
• Exhaustion of the body as a result of excessive stress and malnutrition.
• Bacterial pathologies of internal organs and skin.

One or more reasons lead to changes in indicators and aggravation of the patient’s condition.

Why do band neutrophils increase?

Against the background of common reasons for an increase in the level of segmented neutrophils in bacterial and fungal diseases (rheumatism, infectious arthritis, genitourinary inflammatory diseases), severe intoxications, and blood diseases, special attention is paid to the role of “rods” in diagnosis.

Physical activity, pregnancy and labor can cause a temporary increase in neutrophils, but the level of band forms remains within normal limits.

Band neutrophils are increased when:

• septic conditions;
• severe tonsillitis;
• purulent diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (abscesses, phlegmon);
• hematopoietic diseases.

An increase in the level above 6% is called a shift of the formula to the left (towards younger forms).

With such purulent plugs on the tonsils, the number of “sticks” increases significantly