Hematology: band neutrophil

Overview

• Immature, unsegmented neutrophils normally found circulating in small numbers.
• Assess numbers relative to mature neutrophil count    :
  • Regenerative left-shift : mature neutrophils    outnumber bands and are elevated or normal.
  • Degenerative left-shift : bands and/or less mature leucocytes outnumber mature neutrophils.

Uses

In combination

• With other white blood cell parameters and red blood cell parameters, eg PCV    , reticulocyte count.

Other points

• Leucocytosis due to neutrophilia.
• 'Leukemoid reaction' (appearance of earlier developmental forms) may appear with excessive neutrophil demand, eg pyometra.
• Numbers from immature to mature forms progressively increase, ie more mature neutrophils than band forms, more band forms than metamyelocytes, etc.
  Features of degenerative left-shift
  
• Leucopenia common, but may see normal leucogram or leucocytosis (rarely).
• The number of immature neutrophils exceeds the number of mature forms.
• Can also get a toxic degenerative left-shift Doehle bodies. It is however important to bear in mind that a small percentage of Doehle bodies can be found in a normal cat.

Result data

Normal (reference) values

• May vary slightly with laboratory, usually <0.3 x 10*9/l.

Abnormal values

• Acute severe infections - neutrophilia with regenerative left-shift - tends to subside with chronicity and during recovery.
• Septicemia or overwhelming infections - may be associated with degenerative left-shift and toxic neutrophils.
• Tissue damage.
• Regenerative anemia, eg IMHA.
• Primary polycythemia - in combination with increased red blood cell parameters, eg PCV.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

• Kipar A et al (1998) Cellular composition, coronavirus antigen expression and production of specific antibodies in lesions in feline infectious peritonitis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 65 (2-4), 243-257.

Other sources of information

• Cowell R L, Tyler R D & Meinkoth J H (1999) Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 2nd edn. Mosby, St Louis.
• Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffy E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa University Press, Ames, Iowa.
• Jain N C (1993) Essentials of Veterinary Hematology. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia.