Not everyone is familiar with monocytes, their normalcy and what they are. Monocytes in the blood are, by and large, large-sized leukocytes that are responsible for the specific defense of the body. We are talking about purifying the blood from a number of physical agents and foreign cells. Monocytes in the blood can absorb not only fragments of foreign microorganisms, but all of them.

The most common designation used in analysis is mon. However, monocytes are also designated by the abbreviation mid. However, in this case, decoding involves not only the indicator of monocytes, but also a number of other components.

In particular, the index mid refers to the content of a mixture of several cells. We are talking about monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and cells that have not yet matured. All four components are always present in small quantities in the blood. That is why a number of laboratories do not see the point of separating them. As a result, they are displayed in the analysis as one group.

It is most often designated as monocytes in the blood separately, that is, as a percentage of the total leukocyte count. All of them are also leukocytes, only with their own specific characteristics. In this case, the indicator can become increased if only one component is excessively active. That is why most laboratories strive to separate each component in order to identify an increase or decrease immediately with a specific indicator.

Monocytes are located not only in the blood. In women, men and children, they can be found in lymph nodes and a number of tissues. Due to the fact that monocytes in the blood act as cleaners, the basis is created for tissue regeneration if there has been damage by foreign organisms.

Mon are a subtype of leukocytes, which means they are measured as a percentage of the total leukocyte indicator. The norm in this case is practically the same for men and women. Deviations from the norm can be observed depending on age, and even then they are small.

In particular, the norm for children under 12 years of age is from two to 12 percent. Starting from 12 years of age, the norm is the same for both children and adult men and women. It should be from three to 11 percent.

A general analysis is prescribed to determine mid or mon. Such an examination allows the doctor to get a general idea of ​​the condition of the patient’s body. If decreased monocytes are observed, or their level, on the contrary, is increased, it means that there is some kind of pathology in the body of women, men and children.

It is worth noting that such a general analysis, determining mid and mon, is very important for women during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy in a woman’s body all the forces of the immune system are directed towards preserving the fetus. Accordingly, when various bacteria enter, mid constantly fights against them.

The normal indicators for adult men and women have already been mentioned above. However, if the transcript of the analysis shows that the mid indicator is increased, then we are talking about the presence of monocytosis.

Doctors distinguish two types of monocytosis - relative and absolute. If monocytes are low, this means the presence of monocypenia. Decoding it also involves two degrees.

Most often, when the monocyte count is elevated in the analysis, this means the presence of an infection in the body. Very often the mid level is elevated when:

• colitis;
• syphilis;
• tuberculosis;
• typhus;
• malaria.

In addition, when the indicator is elevated, collagenoses may be present in the human body. These problems mean damage to the circulatory system.

When the indicator is not increased, but shows a decrease, very often the body experiences a state of shock. The use of exogenous glucocorticoids also affects the mid. The decline can also cause stress.

During the last days of pregnancy, as well as immediately after childbirth, the norm in the analysis will be lowered for several days. This means triggering the body's response. During pregnancy, there is increased “demand” from every body system. Thus, the analysis demonstrates recovery from prolonged depletion during pregnancy. In addition, the norm decreases in the analysis due to blood loss, which is inevitable during childbirth.

What else to pay attention to

Of course, decoding an analysis in which the indicator is below the norm may indicate something else. In particular, during pregnancy and in healthy women who are not carrying a child, there may be downward deviations in the analysis for a number of reasons, including very serious ones.

For example, a disease such as typhoid fever necessarily leads to a reduction in monocytes. One should also not exclude aplastic anemia, as well as bone marrow damage, which requires a special approach to treatment.

If the body is depleted as a whole or there has been surgical intervention, then the transcript of the analysis will also show low numbers. Severe purulent diseases, ionizing radiation and chemical poisoning also lead to a reduction in this indicator.

Speaking about increasing the amount of this blood component, it is worth understanding that such a reaction can occur in the presence of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, as well as mononucleosis. This disease is serious and the success of its treatment depends on the stage of detection.

Diagnosis of mononucleosis is also performed by enlarged cervical lymph nodes. The spleen and liver also enlarge with them. Often this disease provokes cystitis.

If we talk about a mild form of this disease, then external signs may be swelling of the adenoids and inflammation of the tonsils. Often, a sore throat when swallowing and an increase in temperature in this case are perceived as a common viral disease.

To confirm the presence of mononucleosis in the body, a blood test and a throat swab are required to detect the cause of the pain. If we are talking about sore throat or pharyngitis, then the result will show a large number of streptococci.

This article was written using specialized medical literature. All material used has been analyzed and presented in easy-to-understand language with minimal use of medical terms. The purpose of this article was an accessible explanation of the meaning of a general blood test and interpretation of its results.

If you have identified a deviation from the norm in a general blood test and want to learn more about the possible causes, then click on the selected blood value in the table - this will allow you to go to the selected section.

The article provides detailed information about the norms of cellular elements for each age. Deciphering a blood test in children requires special attention. Normal blood levels in children depend on age, so accurate information about the child's age is necessary to interpret the results of a blood test. You can find out about age standards from the tables below - separate for each blood test indicator.

We all have had a general blood test at least once in our lives. And every person was faced with a misunderstanding about what was written on the form, what did all these numbers mean? How to understand why this or that indicator is increased or decreased? What could be the risk of an increase or decrease, for example, in lymphocytes? Let's look at everything in order.

General blood test norms

Table of normal indicators of general blood test

Analysis indicator	Norm
Hemoglobin	Men: 130-170 g/l
	Women: 120-150 g/l
Red blood cell count	Men: 4.0-5.0 10 12 /l
	Women: 3.5-4.7 10 12 /l
White blood cell count	Within 4.0-9.0x10 9 /l
Hematocrit (the ratio of the volume of plasma and cellular elements of blood)	Men: 42-50%
	Women: 38-47%
Average red blood cell volume	Within 86-98 microns 3
Leukocyte formula	Neutrophils: Segmented forms 47-72% Band forms 1-6% Lymphocytes: 19-37% Monocytes: 3-11% Eosinophils: 0.5-5% Basophils: 0-1%
Platelet count	Within 180-320 10 9 /l
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)	Men: 3 - 10 mm/h
	Women: 5 - 15 mm/h

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein containing an iron atom that is capable of attaching and transporting oxygen. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. The amount of hemoglobin is measured in grams/liter (g/l). Determining the amount of hemoglobin is very important, since when its level decreases, the tissues and organs of the entire body experience a lack of oxygen.
Hemoglobin norm in children and adults age floor Units of measurement - g/l Up to 2 weeks 134 - 198 from 2 to 4.3 weeks 107 - 171 from 4.3 to 8.6 weeks 94 - 130 from 8.6 weeks to 4 months 103 - 141 at 4 to 6 months 111 - 141 from 6 to 9 months 114 - 140 from 9 to 1 year 113 - 141 from 1 year to 5 years 100 - 140 from 5 years to 10 years 115 - 145 from 10 to 12 years 120 - 150 from 12 to 15 years women 115 - 150 men 120 - 160 from 15 to 18 years old women 117 - 153 men 117 - 166 from 18 to 45 years old women 117 - 155 men 132 - 173 from 45 to 65 years women 117 - 160 men 131 - 172 after 65 years women 120 - 161 men 126 – 174	Reasons for increased hemoglobin Dehydration (decreased fluid intake, profuse sweating, impaired kidney function, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, excessive vomiting or diarrhea, use of diuretics) Congenital heart or lung defects Pulmonary failure or heart failure Kidney diseases (renal artery stenosis, benign kidney tumors) Diseases of the hematopoietic organs (erythremia)
	Low hemoglobin - reasons Congenital blood diseases (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) Iron deficiency Lack of vitamins Exhaustion of the body

Red blood cell count

Red blood cells- These are small red blood cells. These are the most numerous blood cells. Their main function is the transfer of oxygen and its delivery to organs and tissues. Red blood cells are presented in the form of biconcave discs. Inside the red blood cell there is a large amount of hemoglobin - the main volume of the red disk is occupied by it.
Normal red blood cell count in children and adults Age indicator x 10 12 / l newborn 3,9-5,5 from 1 to 3 days 4,0-6,6 in 1 week 3,9-6,3 in week 2 3,6-6,2 at 1 month 3,0-5,4 at 2 months 2,7-4,9 from 3 to 6 months 3,1-4,5 from 6 months to 2 years 3,7-5,3 from 2 to 6 years 3,9-5,3 from 6 to 12 years 4,0-5,2 boys aged 12-18 4,5-5,3 girls aged 12-18 4,1-5,1 Adult men 4,0-5,0 Adult women 3,5-4,7	Causes of decreased red blood cell levels A decrease in the number of red blood cells is called anemia. There are many reasons for the development of this condition, and they are not always associated with the hematopoietic system. Errors in nutrition (food poor in vitamins and protein) Leukemia (diseases of the hematopoietic system) Hereditary enzymopathies (defects of enzymes that are involved in hematopoiesis) Hemolysis (death of blood cells as a result of exposure to toxic substances and autoimmune lesions)
	Reasons for the increase in the number of red blood cells Dehydration (vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating, decreased fluid intake) Erythremia (diseases of the hematopoietic system) Diseases of the cardiovascular or pulmonary system that lead to respiratory and heart failure Renal artery stenosis
		What to do if red blood cells are elevated?

Total white blood cell count

Leukocytes- these are living cells of our body circulating with the bloodstream. These cells carry out immune control. In the event of an infection or damage to the body by toxic or other foreign bodies or substances, these cells fight the damaging factors. The formation of leukocytes occurs in the red bone marrow and lymph nodes. Leukocytes are divided into several types: neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes. Different types of leukocytes differ in appearance and functions performed during the immune response.
	Causes of increased leukocytes Physiological increase in leukocyte levels After meals After active physical activity In the second half of pregnancy After vaccination During menstruation Against the background of an inflammatory reaction Purulent-inflammatory processes (abscess, phlegmon, bronchitis, sinusitis, appendicitis, etc.) Burns and injuries with extensive soft tissue damage After surgery During the period of exacerbation of rheumatism During the oncological process In case of leukemia or malignant tumors of various localizations, the immune system is stimulated.
	Causes of decreased leukocytes Viral and infectious diseases (influenza, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, sepsis, measles, malaria, rubella, mumps, AIDS) Rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) Some types of leukemia Hypovitaminosis Use of antitumor drugs (cytostatics, steroid drugs)

Hematocrit

Hematocrit- this is the percentage ratio of the volume of the blood being tested to the volume occupied by red blood cells in it. This indicator is calculated as a percentage.
Hematocrit norms in children and adults Age floor Indicator in % up to 2 weeks 41 - 65 from 2 to 4.3 weeks 33 - 55 4.3 - 8.6 weeks 28 - 42 From 8.6 weeks to 4 months 32 - 44 From 4 to 6 months 31 - 41 From 6 to 9 months 32 - 40 From 9 to 12 months 33 - 41 from 1 year to 3 years 32 - 40 From 3 to 6 years 32 - 42 From 6 to 9 years 33 - 41 From 9 to 12 years 34 - 43 From 12 to 15 years women 34 - 44 men 35 - 45 From 15 to 18 years old women 34 - 44 men 37 - 48 From 18 to 45 years old women 38 - 47 men 42 - 50 From 45 to 65 years women 35 - 47 men 39 - 50 after 65 years women 35 - 47 men 37 - 51	Reasons for increased hematocrit Heart or respiratory failure Dehydration due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, extensive burns, and diabetes
	Reasons for decreased hematocrit Kidney failure Second half of pregnancy

MCH, MCHC, MCV, color index (CPU)- norm

Color Index (CPU)- This is a classic method for determining the hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells. Currently, it is gradually being replaced by the MCH index in blood tests. These indices reflect the same thing, only expressed in different units.

Leukocyte formula

The leukocyte formula is an indicator of the percentage of different types of leukocytes in the blood and the total number of leukocytes in the blood (this indicator is discussed in the previous section of the article). The percentage of different types of leukocytes in infectious, blood diseases, and oncological processes will change. Thanks to this laboratory symptom, the doctor may suspect the cause of health problems.

Types of leukocytes, normal

Neutrophils	Segmented forms 47-72%
	Band forms 1-6%
Eosinophils	0,5-5%
Basophils	0-1%
Monocytes	3-11%
Lymphocytes	19-37%

In order to find out the age norm, click on the name of the leukocyte from the table.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils There can be two types - mature forms, which are also called segmented, and immature - rod-shaped. Normally, the number of band neutrophils is minimal (1-3% of the total number). With the “mobilization” of the immune system, there is a sharp increase (by several times) in the number of immature forms of neutrophils (band neutrophils).
Norm of neutrophils in children and adults Age Segmented neutrophils, percentage Band neutrophils, % Newborns 47 - 70 3 - 12 up to 2 weeks 30 - 50 1 - 5 From 2 weeks to 1 year 16 - 45 1 - 5 From 1 to 2 years 28 - 48 1 - 5 From 2 to 5 years 32 - 55 1 - 5 From 6 to 7 years 38 - 58 1 - 5 From 8 to 9 years old 41 - 60 1 - 5 From 9 to 11 years old 43 - 60 1 - 5 From 12 to 15 years 45 - 60 1 - 5 From 16 years old and adults 50 - 70 1 - 3	An increase in the level of neutrophils in the blood is a condition called neutrophilia. Reasons for increased neutrophil levels Infectious diseases (sore throat, sinusitis, intestinal infection, bronchitis, pneumonia) Infectious processes - abscess, phlegmon, gangrene, traumatic injuries of soft tissues, osteomyelitis Inflammatory diseases of internal organs: pancreatitis, peritonitis, thyroiditis, arthritis) Heart attack (heart attack, kidney, spleen) Chronic metabolic disorders: diabetes mellitus, uremia, eclampsia The use of immunostimulating drugs, vaccinations
	Decreased neutrophil levels - a condition called neutropenia Reasons for decreased neutrophil levels Infectious diseases: typhoid fever, brucellosis, influenza, measles, varicella (chickenpox), viral hepatitis, rubella) Blood diseases (aplastic anemia, acute leukemia) Hereditary neutropenia High levels of thyroid hormones Thyrotoxicosis Consequences of chemotherapy Consequences of radiotherapy The use of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral drugs
What is a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left and to the right? Shift of the leukocyte formula to the left means that young, “immature” neutrophils appear in the blood, which are normally present only in the bone marrow, but not in the blood. A similar phenomenon is observed in mild and severe infectious and inflammatory processes (for example, sore throat, malaria, appendicitis), as well as in acute blood loss, diphtheria, pneumonia, scarlet fever, typhus, sepsis, intoxication. Shift of the leukocyte formula to the right means that the number of “old” neutrophils (segmented) in the blood increases, and the number of nuclear segments becomes more than five. This picture occurs in healthy people living in areas contaminated with radiation waste. It is also possible in the presence of B 12 deficiency anemia, with a lack of folic acid, in people with chronic lung disease, or with obstructive bronchitis.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils– this is one of the types of leukocytes that are involved in cleansing the body of toxic substances, parasites, and participates in the fight against cancer cells. This type of leukocyte is involved in the formation of humoral immunity (antibody-related immunity)
	Reasons for increased blood eosinophils Allergies (bronchial asthma, food allergies, allergies to pollen and other airborne allergens, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, drug allergies) Parasitic diseases – intestinal parasites (giardiasis, ascariasis, enterobiasis, opisthorchiasis, echinococcosis) Infectious diseases (scarlet fever, tuberculosis, mononucleosis, venereal diseases) Cancerous tumors Diseases of the hematopoietic system (leukemia, lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis) Rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, scleroderma)
	Reasons for the decrease in eosinophils Heavy metal intoxication Purulent processes, sepsis Beginning of the inflammatory process

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Monocytes

Monocytes- few, but the largest immune cells in the body. These white blood cells are involved in recognizing foreign substances and training other white blood cells to recognize them. They can migrate from the blood into body tissues. Outside the bloodstream, monocytes change their shape and transform into macrophages. Macrophages can actively migrate to the site of inflammation in order to take part in cleansing the inflamed tissue from dead cells, leukocytes, and bacteria. Thanks to this work of macrophages, all conditions are created for the restoration of damaged tissues.
	Causes of increased monocytes (monocytosis) Infections caused by viruses, fungi (candidiasis), parasites and protozoa Recovery period after an acute inflammatory process. Specific diseases: tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis Rheumatic diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, periarteritis nodosa diseases of the hematopoietic system: acute leukemia, myeloma, lymphogranulomatosis poisoning with phosphorus, tetrachloroethane.
	Causes of decreased monocytes (monocytopenia) hairy cell leukemia purulent lesions (abscesses, phlegmon, osteomyelitis) after surgery taking steroid medications (dexamethasone, prednisolone)

Basophils

Causes of increased blood basophils

• decreased thyroid hormone levels hypothyroidism
• chicken pox
• food and drug allergies
• condition after removal of the spleen
• treatment with hormonal drugs (estrogens, drugs that reduce the activity of the thyroid gland)

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes– the second largest fraction of leukocytes. Lymphocytes play a key role in humoral (through antibodies) and cellular (implemented through direct contact of the destroyed cell and lymphocyte) immunity. Different types of lymphocytes circulate in the blood - helpers, suppressors and killers. Each type of leukocyte is involved in the formation of the immune response at a certain stage.
	Causes of increased lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) Viral infections: infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infection, herpes infection, rubella Diseases of the blood system: acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphosarcoma, heavy chain disease - Franklin disease; Poisoning by tetrachloroethane, lead, arsenic, carbon disulfide Use of drugs: levodopa, phenytoin, valproic acid, narcotic painkillers
	Causes of low lymphocytes (lymphopenia) Kidney failure Terminal stage of cancer; Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy Use of glucocorticoids

Platelets

Causes of increased platelets

(thrombocytosis, platelet count more than 320x10 9 cells/l)

• splenectomy
• inflammatory processes (exacerbation of rheumatism,

The study of the number of monocytes is included in the result of a general blood test; its correct decoding will help make a preliminary assessment of the patient’s health status. In this article we will look at what monocytes are, the norm in men and women, what functions these cells in the blood are responsible for, and what are the reasons why monocytes in a woman’s blood are elevated.

Monocytes are the largest and most active blood cells belonging to the group of leukocytes. They protect the body from infections, viruses, fungi and other foreign bacteria.

Maturing in the bone marrow, monocytes first enter the circulatory system. This is where their most active period occurs: they cleanse the blood, circulating with it throughout the body. Then monocytes move into body tissues and transform their shape, turning into macrophages; their functions and tasks, however, do not change.

Monocytes instantly move to the site of inflammation or infection, distinguish their cells from foreign ones and destroy pathogenic bacteria.

Normal for women and men

There are absolute and relative indicators.

Relative is expressed as a percentage and characterizes the number of monocytes contained in the blood if the total number of leukocytes is taken as 100%. Monocytes, despite being large formations, are few in number. The relative norm of monocytes in the blood of women and men is 3-10%. Over 10% observed monocytosis - an excess of monocytes.

Most often, it is the relative indicator that is used for diagnosis. But absolute monocytes also play an important role in assessing health. For example, if the level of other white blood cells is abnormal, the relative indicator may show overestimated or underestimated false results.

The absolute value is expressed as the number of cells per liter of blood. For monocytes in the blood, the norm for men and women is the same: 8 * 10 7 per liter.

Monocytes in men and women do not depend on age, if we are talking about an adult over 16 years old. But for children, indicators fluctuate from birth until adulthood.

Increase in monocytes in the blood

An increase in monocytes (monocytosis) is only a symptom of the disease. As a rule, the patient has already been warned about the presence of abnormalities in his body based on other signs, and elevated monocytes only confirm the diagnosis.

The increased content of monocytes in the blood of women is explained by the fact that the body sent a signal to the immune system about a harmful process; the immune system responds to this by increasing the number of protective cells - leukocytes, in particular monocytes, since their efficiency is the highest.

1. Viral, fungal, infectious disease

If monocytes in a woman’s blood are elevated, in most cases this indicates infection of the body with harmful bacteria. It is necessary to examine the lymph nodes and tonsils to confirm or refute ARVI and acute respiratory infections. In addition to simple seasonal colds, this group of diseases that cause elevated monocytes in the blood of women also includes:

• Infectious endocarditis, tuberculosis, syphilis, candidiasis, brucellosis, mumps, rickettsiosis, etc.

1. Oncology

The occurrence of a tumor is also perceived by the body as a threat, to which the bone marrow instantly reacts, increasing the production of monocytes.

1. Autoimmune diseases

This is a class of diseases in which one’s own cells are perceived by the body as dangerous and are removed by the immune system. In this case, monocytes play the role of weapons of their own tissues. These diseases are very dangerous, and it has not yet been precisely determined what causes such a failure in the immune system. Autoimmune diseases that cause elevated monocytes in the blood of women include:

• Lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, etc.

1. Diseases of the circulatory system

Many changes in blood composition provoke additional production of monocytes. This:

• Lymphogranulomatosis, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, etc.

1. Other reasons

Surgical interventions (especially “on the female side”), as well as the postoperative period, removal of the spleen, appendix, chemical poisoning, taking a number of medications, and others can affect the increase in the number of monocytes.

Monocytes are also elevated in women, recently one of the diseases listed above. The fact is that in order to normalize the level of monocytes, time must pass. In this case, it is necessary to take a repeat blood test in 1-2 weeks.

It is especially important to monitor the blood test of the expectant mother, because deviations from the norm can affect the well-being of the pregnant woman, the difficulty of childbirth, as well as the health of the baby and the presence of pathologies in the future.

Do not forget to undergo regular examinations and complete blood tests.

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One of the important indicators determined during a blood test is the level of monocytes in the blood. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell. These are the largest and most active blood cells produced by red bone marrow. Together with the blood flow, immature monocytes enter the body tissues and degenerate into macrophages. The main function of these blood elements is the destruction and absorption of pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the body and the elimination of remnants of dead cells. Due to the fact that monocytes perform such important work, they are called “the body’s wipers.” It is monocytes that become an obstacle to the formation of blood clots and cancer cells. In addition, monocytes take part in the process of hematopoiesis.

The norm of monocytes in the blood

In order to know whether the blood parameters detected during the analysis (including the level of monocytes) are normal or not, it is necessary to have an idea of ​​​​the norm of monocytes in absolute terms.

The norm of monocytes in the blood is from 3% to 11% of the total number of all leukocytes or approximately 400 cells per 1 ml of peripheral blood (i.e. blood circulating outside the hematopoietic organs). The norm of monocytes in the blood of women may be less than the lower limit and amount to 1% of the number of leukocytes.

White cell levels also change with age:

• the content of monocytes in the blood of a newborn child ranges from 3% to 12%;
• at two weeks of age the level can reach 15%;
• in a one-year-old baby the norm is 4-10%.

In adulthood, the normal number of monocytes in the blood rarely exceeds 8%.

Changes in the level of monocytes in the blood

Increased monocytes

Experts, as a rule, are calm about an increase in the level of monocytes in a child, even by 10%, since such a change accompanies natural physiological processes associated with childhood, for example, teething. An excess of the number of monocytes compared to the norm during a general blood test in an adult indicates a malfunction in the functioning of the circulatory system, as well as the development of an infectious disease, such as:

• tuberculosis;
• syphilis;
• enteritis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• mycosis, etc.

Deviations in the content of monocytes can signal the development of a malignant formation in the body. An increase in the number of white cells is often observed in the postoperative period. In women, the cause of this shift is most often gynecological surgery.

Decreased monocytes

A decrease in the level of monocytes is a rarer phenomenon than an increase in this indicator. This does not necessarily indicate the development of the disease. For example, many women have low monocytes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is at this time that anemia may appear as a result of exhaustion of the body.

Other common causes of low monocyte levels in the blood:

A decrease in the level of monocytes is often observed in the postoperative period during organ transplantation. But in this case, it is caused artificially by suppressing the immune system with drugs to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted tissues and organs.

In any case, a change in the content of monocytes in the blood is a reason to undergo a medical examination in order to identify the cause and, if necessary, carry out appropriate therapy.

Monocytes are large white blood cells. These cells are formed in the bone marrow from precursor cells - monoblasts . These cells do not have granules. Monocytes, the norm for women is different, and neutrophils are types of cellular formations in the blood that are actively involved in neutralizing and ridding the body of various foreign microbes. In addition, these cells are involved in the body's immune defense. When performing this protective function, these cells actively interact with lymphocytes.

Monocytes circulate in the blood for about three days, leave the bloodstream by passing through the walls of the capillaries, after which they migrate into the extravascular pool. In addition, the formation of monocytes occurs after the process of proliferation in the tissues of macrophage precursor cells. Localization of tissue macrophages occurs in the brain, nodes of the lymphatic system, spleen, serous cavities of the body, bone tissue and lung tissue, and macrophages can also be localized in the central nervous system.

The norm of monocytes in women’s blood and its deviations

After leaving the bloodstream monocytes penetrate body tissues. Here they transform into macrophages. These cells are functionally very similar to monocytes; in addition to directly combating foci of infection, they perform several other functions, including the disposal of dead cells.

After the process of phagocytosis of a foreign cell or particle has been carried out, the death of the monocyte does not occur. Further, after the process of phagocytosis, the existence of a monocyte occurs only if the absorbed foreign cells do not have cytotoxic properties. This property distinguishes monocytes from cells such as eosinophils and neutrophils, which are capable of absorbing only small particles and die immediately after the phagocytosis process.

The process of delivery of monocytes to inflammatory foci occurs much more slowly than the process of transport of neutrophils. This is due to the fact that the number of monocytes in the blood is relatively small and before transporting them to the site of inflammation, an initial accumulation of cells occurs, after which transportation takes place.

It is typical for the human body the content of monocytes in the blood ranges from 1 to 10 percent of the total number of leukocytes in the stream. The normal number of monocytes in women differs somewhat from that in the male population. If the leukocyte formula has an overestimated number of monocytes, then this condition is called monocytosis. There are two types of monocytosis - absolute and relative. If the same indicator is below normal, the phenomenon is called monocypenia. Monocytopenia can also be relative or absolute.

Most often, the state of monocytosis is detected in patients who have an illness of an infectious nature in their body. Such ailments that cause a state of monocytosis can be colitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, typhus, malaria. In addition, monocytosis can provoke such ailments in the human body as collagenosis, diseases associated with the circulatory system.

Monocytopenia observed in cases of shock, stress, and also when using exogenous glucocorticoids. Monocytopenia may result from treatment of aplastic anemia with corticosteroids. A slight temporary increase in the number of monocytes is observed in the fair sex immediately after the birth of a child. This situation is a kind of response of the body to the process of prolonged exhaustion of the body during pregnancy, as well as the body’s reaction to the loss of part of the blood during childbirth.

By the way, do you know what to do if? Watch your health!