Polymorphs (Percentage)

Other names: POLYS

check icon Optimal Result: 40 - 75 %.

Polymorphs (%) – Neutrophils Percentage

What Is It?

Polymorphs (%), also referred to as Neutrophils (%), is a measurement of the proportion of neutrophils in your white blood cell (WBC) count. Neutrophils are a type of polymorphonuclear leukocyte, hence the term "polymorphs." They are the most abundant type of white blood cells and a key component of the body’s innate immune system, responsible for quickly responding to infections, particularly those caused by bacteria and fungi.

This test is commonly included in a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, which shows the relative percentages of different types of white blood cells in your blood.


Why Is It Measured?

The percentage of polymorphs helps doctors understand whether your immune system is responding to a stressor like infection, inflammation, or other immune-related conditions. Since it’s a relative value, it shows the proportion of neutrophils in comparison to other white blood cells (e.g., lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).


Normal Range

  • The normal range for Polymorphs (%) is typically:
    40% to 75%, though this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and population.


What Does a High Percentage Mean? (Neutrophilia)

An increased percentage of neutrophils (polymorphs) may indicate:

  • Bacterial infections (most common cause)

  • Acute stress or trauma

  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Steroid use

  • Cigarette smoking

  • Post-surgical response

  • Certain types of leukemia

A high neutrophil percentage doesn’t always mean there's a serious issue, but it often suggests the body is responding to an infection or inflammation.


What Does a Low Percentage Mean? (Neutropenia or Relative Lymphocytosis)

A decreased neutrophil percentage may be seen in:

  • Viral infections (e.g., flu, mono)

  • Certain bacterial infections (especially if prolonged or overwhelming)

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)

  • Bone marrow suppression

  • Severe nutritional deficiencies

  • Chemotherapy or radiation treatment

It may also appear low if another type of white cell (like lymphocytes) is disproportionately elevated—this is known as a relative decrease.


Important Notes

  • A percentage alone does not reflect the total number of neutrophils in your body. For a complete picture, the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) should also be evaluated (this is reported as Polymorphs (Absolute) or POLYS, ABS. COUNT).

  • The neutrophil percentage is best interpreted in context with other parts of the CBC and the patient’s symptoms and medical history.


Final Thoughts

Polymorphs (%) is a valuable marker that helps assess how your immune system is functioning. It provides insights into infections, inflammation, and immune responses. However, it's only one part of the puzzle. Your healthcare provider will interpret it alongside other blood cell counts and clinical information to reach a diagnosis or monitor a condition.

What does it mean if your Polymorphs (Percentage) result is too high?

When "POLYS," or polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are elevated on a hematology test panel, it generally indicates an increase in neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections and are typically the first responders to bacterial infections and inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels of POLYS can suggest that the body is responding to an infection, inflammation, stress, or other factors such as trauma or certain medications.

Possible Causes of Elevated POLYS:

  1. Bacterial Infections: The most common reason for elevated POLYS is an active bacterial infection. The body produces more neutrophils to help combat the infection and protect against further spread.

  2. Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease can also elevate POLYS as part of the immune response.

  3. Stress and Trauma: Physical stress, surgery, trauma, or intense exercise can sometimes lead to a temporary increase in POLYS.

  4. Medications: Some medications, including corticosteroids, may increase neutrophil levels by causing them to be released from storage in the bone marrow.

  5. Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like chronic kidney disease, certain cancers, and other chronic inflammatory states can also elevate POLYS.

Interpretation and Next Steps:

If POLYS are elevated, it’s important to consider the full clinical picture, including symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Often, an elevated POLYS count is temporary and resolves once the underlying cause is treated. However, if levels remain high without an obvious cause, further investigation may be needed to rule out underlying infections, inflammatory diseases, or other health issues.

Your healthcare provider can guide you on the significance of this finding in your specific context and whether any additional tests or treatments are needed.

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What does it mean if your Polymorphs (Percentage) result is too low?

A decreased Polymorphs (%), or low neutrophil percentage, can indicate a condition called relative neutropenia or may reflect a shift in the white blood cell profile, where other types of white blood cells (like lymphocytes) make up a higher proportion of the total. Here's what a decreased Polymorphs (%) may suggest:


Causes of Decreased Polymorphs (%)

1. Viral Infections

  • Viral infections like influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis, or HIV often reduce the neutrophil percentage while increasing lymphocyte counts.

  • This is a common and often temporary shift in white blood cell populations during the body's response to a virus.

2. Bone Marrow Suppression

  • If the bone marrow is unable to produce sufficient neutrophils, both the percentage and absolute count may decrease.

  • Causes include:

    • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

    • Certain medications (e.g., immunosuppressants)

    • Aplastic anemia or other bone marrow disorders

3. Autoimmune Diseases

  • Conditions such as lupus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis may cause immune-mediated destruction or suppression of neutrophils.

4. Severe Infections

  • In late stages of overwhelming bacterial infections (called sepsis), neutrophils may be consumed faster than they are produced, leading to a decrease.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, or copper can impair bone marrow function and neutrophil production.

6. Hypersplenism

  • An enlarged spleen can sequester or destroy neutrophils, reducing their number in the bloodstream.

7. Genetic or Congenital Conditions

  • Rare disorders like Kostmann syndrome or cyclic neutropenia involve inherited neutrophil deficiencies.


Important Considerations

  • A low neutrophil percentage does not always mean a low absolute number. You could still have a normal number of neutrophils if your total white blood cell count is high.

  • A true low neutrophil count (called absolute neutropenia) is more concerning and increases your risk of infections.


When to Seek Medical Advice

You should consult a healthcare provider if:

  • You have recurrent infections (especially bacterial or fungal)

  • Your neutrophil percentage is persistently low

  • You are undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy

  • Your blood work shows multiple abnormal immune markers

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