Understanding Immature Neutrophils: The Importance of Identifying Left Shift in Infections and Inflammation through CBC with Differential

immature neutrophils

bands

Immature neutrophils are also known as “bands” or “stab cells”. These are immature white blood cells that are released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream in response to an infection or an inflammatory condition. Normally, neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body and they play an important role in protecting the body against infections. However, when the number of immature neutrophils increases in the blood, it can indicate an acute infection or inflammation. The presence of immature neutrophils in the blood can be detected through a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) with differential. A high number of immature neutrophils in the blood is known as a “left shift” and can be an indicator of severe infection or inflammation that requires further evaluation and treatment by a healthcare provider.

More Answers: