Question 1

What is Neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

Neutropenia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting bacterial infections. It is caused by bone marrow disorders, chemotherapy, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or severe infections that destroy neutrophils faster than they can be produced. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important test for diagnosing neutropenia because it directly measures absolute neutrophil count and determines infection risk severity.

Question 2

What causes neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

Neutropenia is caused by conditions that damage the bone marrow or destroy neutrophils faster than they can be produced. Common causes include chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer, which damage bone marrow cells, certain medications like antibiotics (sulfonamides, penicillins) and anti-seizure drugs, autoimmune disorders where the body attacks its own neutrophils, viral infections like HIV and hepatitis, bone marrow diseases such as leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, and severe bacterial infections that consume neutrophils rapidly. Some people are born with congenital neutropenia due to genetic mutations.

Question 3

What is the best test for neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important test for neutropenia because it measures your absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which is the definitive diagnostic marker. This test provides a complete picture of all your white blood cell types, red blood cells, and platelets, allowing doctors to identify low neutrophil levels and classify the severity as mild (1,000-1,500 cells per microliter), moderate (500-1,000 cells/μL), or severe (below 500 cells/μL). The lower your neutrophil count, the higher your risk for serious bacterial infections. If neutropenia is confirmed, your doctor may order additional tests like bone marrow biopsy or genetic testing to identify the underlying cause.

Question 4

When should I get tested for neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent or severe infections, especially bacterial infections that keep coming back, fever without an obvious source, mouth sores or gum infections that do not heal, skin infections or slow-healing wounds, or unusual fatigue and weakness. Testing is especially important if you are undergoing chemotherapy, taking medications known to affect white blood cell counts, have an autoimmune disease, or have a family history of blood disorders. Anyone with recurrent infections despite antibiotic treatment should request a CBC with differential to check neutrophil levels.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

Neutropenia often causes no symptoms until an infection develops. When symptoms occur, they typically include fever and chills, frequent bacterial infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections, painful mouth sores and gum disease, skin infections or abscesses, sore throat and sinus infections, and unusual fatigue. Severe neutropenia significantly increases infection risk, so any fever above 100.4°F in someone with known neutropenia requires immediate medical attention. Some people experience swollen lymph nodes or a general feeling of being unwell.

Question 6

Who is at risk for neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, individuals taking certain medications like antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs, those with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, people with viral infections like HIV or hepatitis, and individuals with bone marrow disorders or blood cancers like leukemia. People with a family history of congenital neutropenia, those who have undergone bone marrow or stem cell transplants, and individuals with vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies are also at increased risk. Certain ethnic groups have naturally lower neutrophil counts but may not have true neutropenia.

Question 7

What happens if neutropenia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated neutropenia significantly increases your risk of life-threatening bacterial infections because your body lacks the white blood cells needed to fight invading bacteria. These infections can progress rapidly to sepsis, a dangerous condition where infection spreads throughout the bloodstream and can cause organ failure and death. People with severe untreated neutropenia may develop pneumonia, bloodstream infections, skin and soft tissue infections that spread quickly, and fungal infections. Even minor cuts, dental procedures, or routine activities can introduce bacteria that the body cannot fight off. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can neutropenia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, neutropenia is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential. This test measures the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which is calculated by multiplying the total white blood cell count by the percentage of neutrophils. A normal ANC ranges from 1,500 to 8,000 cells per microliter, and neutropenia is diagnosed when the ANC falls below 1,500. The blood test is quick, requiring only a small blood sample from your arm, and results are typically available within 24-48 hours. If neutropenia is confirmed, additional testing may be needed to identify the underlying cause.

Question 9

How is neutropenia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of neutropenia. Mild cases may only require monitoring with regular blood tests and infection prevention strategies like good hygiene and avoiding sick people. Moderate to severe neutropenia may be treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections like filgrastim or pegfilgrastim, which stimulate bone marrow to produce more neutrophils. If medications are causing neutropenia, your doctor may adjust doses or switch to alternatives. Infections are treated promptly with antibiotics, and some patients may need hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. For autoimmune-related neutropenia, immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Question 10

How can I prevent neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent neutropenia, you can reduce your risk by working closely with your healthcare provider if you are taking medications that affect white blood cell counts, getting regular blood tests to monitor neutrophil levels during chemotherapy or when taking high-risk medications, and reporting any symptoms of infection immediately. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to infections through good hand hygiene, staying away from people who are sick, and keeping vaccinations up to date also helps. If you have an autoimmune condition or family history of blood disorders, regular monitoring and early intervention can prevent severe neutropenia from developing.

Question 11

What can I do at home for neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure neutropenia, you can support your immune system and reduce infection risk by practicing excellent hand hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding crowded places during cold and flu season, cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding raw foods that may carry bacteria, maintaining good dental hygiene to prevent gum infections, and staying well-hydrated. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports overall health. Avoid gardening without gloves, as soil contains bacteria and fungi, and keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered. Monitor your temperature daily and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever above 100.4°F.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Neutropenia Blood Test

What is Neutropenia?

What causes neutropenia?

What is the best test for neutropenia?

When should I get tested for neutropenia?

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