Myelocytes % confirm your email
A medical question!
Myelocytes are a type of immature blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow. They are a precursor to granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
In a complete blood count (CBC) report, the percentage of myelocytes can be an important indicator of certain blood disorders or bone marrow problems. Here are some possible interpretations of a high or low percentage of myelocytes:
High percentage of myelocytes (>5-10%):
- May indicate a bone marrow disorder, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)
- Can be a sign of a reactive process, such as a viral or bacterial infection, that is stimulating the production of immature blood cells
- May be seen in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Low percentage of myelocytes (<1-2%):
- May indicate a bone marrow failure syndrome, such as aplastic anemia or pure red cell aplasia
- Can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder, such as MDS or MPN, that is causing a decrease in the production of immature blood cells
- May be seen in patients with severe infections or inflammation that is suppressing the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells
It's important to note that the interpretation of a high or low percentage of myelocytes requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results, including a CBC with differential and bone marrow biopsy.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!