Interpretation of 67.2% Neutrophils
A neutrophil percentage of 67.2% falls within the normal reference range (45-75%) and does not indicate infection, inflammation, or any pathological process in a patient with no significant medical history. 1, 2
Normal Range Context
- The neutrophil percentage of 67.2% is well within the established normal range of 45-75% for segmented neutrophils 3
- The absolute neutrophil count of 4.6 × 10³/μL (4,600/μL) is also normal, as values ≥2.0 × 10⁹/L are considered normal 4
- This represents a physiologically normal distribution of white blood cells with no clinical significance 1
When Neutrophilia Would Be Concerning
The following thresholds indicate pathological neutrophilia requiring investigation:
- Neutrophil percentage >90% has a likelihood ratio of 7.5 for bacterial infection 2
- Left shift ≥16% band neutrophils has a likelihood ratio of 4.7 for bacterial infection 2
- Absolute band count ≥1,500 cells/mm³ has the highest likelihood ratio (14.5) for documented bacterial infection 2
- Total WBC ≥14,000 cells/mm³ has a likelihood ratio of 3.7 for bacterial infection 1, 2
Clinical Assessment
No further evaluation is needed for this patient based on the laboratory values alone 1:
- The neutrophil percentage of 67.2% does not meet any threshold for concern
- The absolute neutrophil count of 4.6 × 10³/μL indicates normal immune function 4
- Without fever, localized symptoms, or other clinical manifestations of infection, no additional diagnostic testing is warranted 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not misinterpret normal neutrophil values as pathological simply because they are in the upper half of the normal range 1
- Do not order unnecessary tests or prescribe antibiotics for asymptomatic patients with normal neutrophil counts 2
- Focus on absolute values and clinical context rather than fixating on percentages within normal limits 1, 4