Determining the precise number of neutrophils, a crucial type of white blood cell responsible for fighting bacterial infections, involves multiplying the total white blood cell count by the percentage of neutrophils (segmented neutrophils and band cells) found in a differential blood count. For example, if a patient’s white blood cell count is 8,000 cells/microliter and 60% of those are neutrophils, the absolute count would be 4,800 neutrophils/microliter.
This quantification provides a more accurate assessment of a patient’s immune status than the white blood cell count alone, offering valuable insight into the body’s ability to combat infection. A low value can indicate increased susceptibility to infections, while an elevated value may suggest an ongoing inflammatory process. The development and refinement of hematological techniques over the past century have made this readily available measurement an essential tool in modern medical diagnostics and treatment planning.