What are the monocytes?
Monocytes are a type of leukocyte or white blood cells that play a role in the function of the immune system. Depending on the level of the patient's health, monocytes are between one and three percent of the total white blood cells in the body. They can be calculated as part of the blood test and changes in their levels may indicate changes in the patient's health. In general, the low number of monocytes is a good feature and a high number suggests that a problem is present. They can develop into dendritic cells or macrophages. Dendritic cells belong to a group of cells known as antigen presenting cells because they gain antigens and point them into t cells so that these cells learn to recognize dangerous antigens. Dendritic cells usually represent antigens into T cells before they are fully developed, so that the cell can react appropriately after the antigen has been proven.
Macropes are cells that eat other cells. Classically attack any foreign material such as bacteria or virus, consume it so that they cannot hurtLive the body and preserve the antigen so that the body can be able to recognize foreign material in the future. Macrophages can also eat cells in the body that have been infected with pathogen to reduce the spread of pathogen and keep the body healthy.
Monocyte levels in the blood tend to rise when someone has an infection, because more of these cells are needed to fight them. Monocytes can also increase in response to stress and other factors. A high number of monocytes can be referred to as monocytosis and is usually solved by determining why the number is so high and solving the problem. For example, if monocytes are increased due to inflammation caused by a viral infection, the patient should kill the drug tvirus and reduce inflammation.
Usually, when the number of monocytes is required, the laboratory will also perform other blood tests to create a complete picture. Normal values may vary considerably, which is important for patients to discuss blood resultsCH tests with doctors rather than trying to throw them themselves. Because many things can cause high value, having a high number does not necessarily cause the main concerns.