What causes a high number of monocytes?

Monocytes are white blood cells that are common to the blood of all vertebrates and help the immune system function properly. There are a number of reasons for a high number of monocytes that can also be called monocytosis. Some of the reasons may include stress, viral fever, inflammation and organ necrosis. Endangered blood supply and injuries are potential reasons for organ cell necrosis. The infection may be another cause of a high number of monocytes.

The physician can order a monocyte test of the blood point of view to check the elevated levels of monocytes. There are a number of reasons for this test, from simple health control to people suffering from heart attacks and leukemia. Complications with blood and cancer are two other reasons why this test can be performed. Blood is usually pumped from a vein in the arm and the results are usually available a few days later. The test can be timed during the fast period so that food or liquid does not interfere with the Results.

Red cells are usually more numerous in the blood than white cells, but white cells may increase when infection is present in the body. This happens because white cells travel to the infection area to eradicate it. Cells achieve this by producing antibodies that "eat" bacteria that damage the body, and although a large number of white cells can be killed, some usually remain in the fight against infection if they return.

There are a number of different types of white blood cells. They may include lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and basophils. The high number of monocytes tends to point to the presence of bacterial infection, while elevated neutrophil levels may also be an indication of infection, as well as arthritis and physical stress after invasive procedures such as cardiac surgery. People with a lower number of white cells tend to threaten immune systems and may be more susceptible to catching colds.

Number of high monocytes itself does not inform lEkars about the real basic problem. There are a number of diseases that can cause this condition to occur. Some may include mononucleosis, malaria and tuberculosis. The physician will use information collected from the blood numbers as a tool in conjunction with the patient's physical examination and the patient's medical history to determine the reason for the increased level of monocytes.