What Are normal Monocyte Values?
Monocytes are larger leukocytes generated in the bone marrow and which then travel to the blood via the tissues of different organs. Their main function is to remove cellular debris and microorganisms, a process called phagocytosis. A too high or low monocyte is never good sign, which is why this oneHOWTO article will explain what the normal monocyte values are.
Contents
The role of monocytes in blood
Monocytes have two main functions. The first is to get rid of viruses and bacteria in the blood as well as cellular debris. The process of elimination is called phagocytosis: the monocyte absorbs the cell which it wants to get rid of and this one is trapped in the membrane and eliminated with the aid of an enzyme. Sometimes the elimination fails and the virus can spread.
The second function is to identify the nature of the aggression and to alert the other cells so that they can provide a more specific response. Monocytes are therefore essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Normal moncoyte values
Monocytes account for between 4 and 8% of white blood cells. In a blood test their value can be found in the section on Complete Blood Count with the other types of white blood cells. Normal monocyte values are between 1000 and 4500 cells per ml. Therefore, if your monocyte count is between these two values, you can rest assured that it is a normal count and everything is fine.
High monocyte values
When monocytes exceed normal values it is almost always due to infections caused by viruses or parasites, such as the following:
- Mononucleosis
- Mumps
- Measles
However, a high monocyte count can also be caused by a chronic inflammatory disease, tuberculosis, tumours or leukaemia. A high monocyte count is called monocytosis. Monocytosis is usually a sign of inflammation and is usually caused by an infection in the blood.
Take a look at our article on the reasons for an increased white blood cell for more information.
Low monocyte values
When the monocyte cell count is low, it is called monocytopenia. Normally this on its own does not have any specific symptoms. Since monocytes are produced in the bone marrow, any disease that affects the bone marrow will manifest itself in a decreased monocyte count. These disorders may result from conditions such as HIV or AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria; therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy; or vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies.
You may also want to know what causes a decrease in overall white blood cells too.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What Are normal Monocyte Values?, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
