Typical reference ranges
| Cell type | Percent | Absolute (×10⁹/L) | Often raised by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrophils | 40–75% | 2.0–7.5 | Bacterial infection, steroids, stress |
| Lymphocytes | 20–45% | 1.0–4.0 | Viral infection |
| Monocytes | 2–10% | 0.2–1.0 | Chronic infection such as TB, recovery from infection |
| Eosinophils | 1–6% | 0.0–0.5 | Allergy, asthma, worms |
| Basophils | 0–1% | 0.0–0.1 | Allergy, rare blood disorders |
Ranges based on: MedlinePlus; Lab Tests Online UK; Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS. Full references are listed at the end of this page.
Use your own lab's range. Reference ranges differ between labs, analysers and methods, and with age, sex and pregnancy. The range printed on your report takes priority over the figures here.
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Type the Absolute neutrophils result from your report to see where it sits against the typical ranges on this page. Nothing is sent or saved.
General information only, not a diagnosis. Your lab's printed range takes priority.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils make up most white cells and attack bacteria. High neutrophils (neutrophilia) are typical of bacterial infection, inflammation, steroid use and stress. Low neutrophils (neutropenia) can follow viral infections, some medicines and bone marrow problems. Below 0.5 ×10⁹/L the risk of serious infection rises sharply.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes fight viruses. They rise with viral illnesses such as glandular fever and whooping cough, and in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in older adults. They fall with steroids, some infections including HIV, and severe illness.
Monocytes
A mild rise is common while recovering from infection. Persistent high monocytes can be seen with tuberculosis, other chronic infections and some blood disorders.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils rise with hay fever, asthma, eczema and medicine reactions, and with parasitic worm infections, which are common in South Asia and Africa. Very high counts need investigation.
Basophils
Basophils are the rarest. A small rise can follow allergic reactions; a marked rise is seen in some bone marrow conditions.
Percent or absolute?
If your report gives only percentages, multiply by the total white count to get the absolute value: 70% neutrophils with a total of 9.0 ×10⁹/L means 6.3 ×10⁹/L neutrophils.
Frequently asked questions
What is DLC in a blood test?
Differential leucocyte count: the share of each of the five white cell types.
What do high lymphocytes and low neutrophils mean?
This pattern is common during viral infections. It usually settles as you recover.
Why are my eosinophils high?
Allergies and asthma are the most common reasons; worm infections are another frequent cause in South Asia and Africa.
How do I calculate absolute neutrophil count?
Multiply the neutrophil percentage by the total white count. 60% of 5.0 ×10⁹/L is 3.0 ×10⁹/L.
Sources and references
- MedlinePlus: Blood Differential
- Lab Tests Online UK: White blood cell differential count
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS: Haematology reference ranges