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Medical glossary

Neutrophil

Neutrophils are white blood cells that are first to fight bacteria and fungi. They are made in the bone marrow.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A patrolling cell
Figure 1.A patrolling cell — Neutrophil

01Short answer

Neutrophils make up the largest share of white blood cells. They reach an infection quickly and swallow microbes. In leukaemia and during chemotherapy their number can fall (neutropenia); the risk of infection then rises and a fever counts as an emergency. Their number is measured in the complete blood count and as the ANC.

02Simple explanation

A white blood cell.

The first defence.

Too few means risk.

Fever is urgent.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a neutrophil is a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting infection.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

What it does

Finds and destroys bacteria.

Colourised electron micrograph of a human neutrophil engulfing bacteria
Figure 2.Against microbes — Neutrophil

When there are too few

Hygiene, checking temperature, calling the team.

The bone marrow
Figure 3.The bone marrow — Neutrophil

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What it doesFinds and destroys bacteria.
When there are too fewHygiene, checking temperature, calling the team.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Granulocyte
The group neutrophils belong to.
Neutropenia
Too few neutrophils.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

How can I raise my neutrophils?

You cannot “boost” them with food yourself; if needed, your doctor may prescribe a special medicine.

What if I get a fever?

Tell your team straight away.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How can I raise my neutrophils?

  2. What if I get a fever?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neutrophil
  2. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. American Cancer Society. Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Counts)
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: white blood cell
  7. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cure
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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