Neutropenia (low neutrophil count)

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic staff

Neutropenia is rarely an unexpected finding or simply discovered by chance. It's usually found on a white blood cell count that has been ordered to help diagnose a condition you're already experiencing. Talk to your doctor about what these results mean. The presence of neutropenia and results from other tests may already indicate the cause of your illness, or your doctor may suggest other tests to assess your condition.

Because neutropenia makes you vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections, you should take precautions to avoid these organisms. Wear a face mask, avoid anyone with a cold, and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

MY00110

Aug. 28, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger