BloodTestEasy

Neutrophils 16 %

Markedly low

Consider discussing this with your doctor in the coming weeks.

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  • Very low
  • Markedly low
  • Low
  • Borderline low
  • Normal
  • Borderline high
  • High
  • Very high
Your band
Markedly low · 1–2 %
Distance from typical range
24 % below 40

What 16 % means

16% is well below the typical adult neutrophil range of about 40–70% and should be checked out soon rather than filed away.

A percentage in this range means neutrophils make up a small fraction of your white cells. That can happen because neutrophil production has dropped, or because lymphocytes or other cells are strongly elevated — a common pattern during and after some viral infections. How concerning this is depends almost entirely on your absolute neutrophil count and total WBC: the same percentage can be worrisome with a low WBC and fairly benign with a high lymphocyte count.

Most US laboratories consider roughly 40% to 70% of white blood cells to be neutrophils in healthy adults, though cutoffs vary slightly by lab (some use ranges such as 45%–75%).

Common causes

  • A recent or current viral infection such as influenza, mononucleosis, hepatitis, or HIV
  • Medications, including antithyroid drugs, some antipsychotics, sulfa antibiotics, and chemotherapy
  • Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
  • Bone marrow disorders reducing neutrophil production
  • A strongly elevated lymphocyte count crowding down the percentage
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • An enlarged spleen trapping neutrophils

Symptoms that can go with it

  • Often none at all
  • Infections that come back or linger longer than usual
  • Mouth sores
  • Low-grade fevers
  • Fatigue

Sensible next steps

  1. Contact your healthcare provider within the next few days to review this result
  2. Ask for your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and a repeat CBC, ideally with a manual differential
  3. Review all medications and supplements with your clinician — bring the actual list
  4. If you develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher before you are seen, seek urgent care
  5. Discuss whether further testing (vitamin levels, viral tests, or specialist referral) makes sense

Frequently asked questions

Is 16 % a normal neutrophils level?

No — 16% is well below the typical adult range of about 40–70%. It needs follow-up soon, along with your absolute neutrophil count.

What does a low neutrophil percentage mean?

It often reflects a recent viral infection, a medication effect, or an autoimmune process. Your ANC and total WBC determine how significant it is, so arrange follow-up soon.

What causes a high neutrophil percentage?

The most common drivers are bacterial infections, inflammation, physical stress on the body (surgery, injury, intense exercise), smoking, and corticosteroid medicines like prednisone. Neutrophils are the body's rapid-response cells, so their share of the white count climbs quickly when something is going on.

What is the difference between the neutrophil percentage and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC)?

The percentage tells you what share of your white blood cells are neutrophils; the ANC tells you how many neutrophils you actually have per microliter of blood (percentage multiplied by total WBC). Doctors make decisions — including the formal diagnosis of neutropenia — based on the ANC, because the percentage can look abnormal even when the real neutrophil number is fine. Whenever your percentage is flagged, ask what your ANC is.

Should I worry about neutrophils of 16 % if I feel fine?

Feeling well is genuinely reassuring, but the right move depends on how far the value sits from the typical 40–70% range and on your absolute neutrophil count. Share the result with your provider and let the trend over time guide any next steps.

Can stress, smoking, or exercise change my neutrophil percentage?

Yes, all three raise it. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline pull neutrophils from blood vessel walls and marrow stores into circulation within hours, hard exercise shortly before a draw does the same, and smokers run measurably higher neutrophil counts than non-smokers. That is why a mildly elevated value in someone who feels well is often rechecked on a calmer day before anyone draws conclusions.

Check a different Neutrophils value

Related values on your lab report

Sources

Educational information, not medical advice. Reference ranges vary between labs — always compare with the range printed on your own report and discuss results with your doctor. Full disclaimer