Monocytes (abs.)
Immune system healthAlso known as: absolute monocyte count, AMC
The absolute count of monocytes per liter of blood.
Monocytes are white blood cells that migrate into tissues and become macrophages, where they engulf pathogens, dead cells, and debris. The absolute count is important because it reflects the actual capacity for tissue repair and immune surveillance independent of other white blood cell changes.
Reference range
Source: lab benchmark
Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- Persistent absolute monocytosis > 1 × 10⁹/L raises concern for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML — a slow-growing bone marrow cancer), especially with reduced cell counts elsewhere.
- Reactive monocytosis is common in chronic infection (TB, endocarditis), autoimmune disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (with high hs-CRP).
- Low absolute monocytes may reflect corticosteroid therapy, chemotherapy, or aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure).
How often should I test Monocytes (abs.)?
Most adults benefit from yearly absolute monocyte count testing as part of a CBC differential. Persistent abnormalities prompt your clinician's follow-up rather than a fixed retest cadence.
At baseline / for screening: Once every 12 months from age 30 as part of a CBC with differential.
Included in
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