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Neutrophil

A neutrophil is the most common type of white blood cell, the cells that protect the body against infection by destroying bacteria.

Immature neutrophils are called band cells, while mature neutrophils are called polys. If a person has a low neutrophil count (as tested in a complete blood count), he or she has an increased risk of infection.

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Joseph O'Donnell, MD
- Hematology/Oncology
Last Updated December 4, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 04, 2006
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