A neutrophils test helps us detect the levels of neutrophils in our body. These neutrophils are an integral part of our immune system and through a process called chemotaxis, they reach any place where an infection has occurred. These cells take about an hour to reach the site of infection. In fact, they are one of the main components of pus and are to blame for its whitish color. It is also important to go in for a high neutrophils blood test as they are indicative of extremely high levels of stress in an individual.
Another test that can help determine the levels of neutrophils in your body is the blood differential test. This test helps you figure out if there are any immature or abnormal cells in your body. The test is very simple and involves collecting a blood sample from the body. Care must be taken to use an airtight bottle to collect the sample. This sample is smeared on a glass slide along with a special dye which will help the pathologist distinguish the various types of blood cells in the body. No special care needs to be taken for the test. Some patients, however, complain of mild to moderate pain on the insertion of the needle. If there is an increase in one type of blood cell that is abnormal it affects the other white cells in the body and causes a decrease in them.
It is necessary to go in for a neutrophils test as a number of conditions can cause your neutrophil count to go up. One reason could be sudden kidney failure. Another reason that could cause your neutrophils to go up is when there are fats in your body that are difficult to break down. When this happens, acidic and chemical substances called ketones are produced in the body. Sometimes a cancerous growth could cause your neutrophils count to go up.
On the other hand a decrease in neutrophils could be due to various reasons such as extensive bacterial infection, influenza, chemotherapy, and aplastic anemia. A deficiency in neutrophils could either be congenital or acquired.
To sum up, it is important for the neutrophils in our body to function well. If they malfunction for some reason, they tend to become more harmful than beneficial. For example, if you have alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a normal immune response such as inflammation could cause tissue damage.