Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Granulocyte

Table of Contents

Definition

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They are called granulocytes because they are made of small granules, which contain important proteins.

Granulocytes help the body fight bacterial infections. Persons who have lower numbers of granulocytes are more likely to get frequent and severe infections.

Granulocytes are counted as part of a white blood cell differential test.


How the test is performed


How to prepare for the test


How the test will feel


Why the test is performed



Review Date: 08/01/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)