Granulocytesare a family of specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow that includeneutrophils,basophils, andeosinophils.
Granulocytopenia puts you at risk for bacterial, viral, or fungal infection and should be treated promptly.
When granulocyte levels are extremely low, you have a more severe disorder known asagranulocytosis.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
Agranulocytosis is considered to be an absence of granulocytes and happens when the body fails to make granulocytes.
The granulocytes are named after collections of granules contained inside the cells that help them perform specific functions.
Granulocytes found in the blood include:
What Causes Granulocytopenia?
The granulocyte levels are evaluated using blood work and laboratory tests such as a complete blood count.
If the granulocyte populations are low then you may be diagnosed with granulocytopenia.
The disorder may be a sign of an underlying health condition or a side effect of certain prescription drugs.
Medication and, in some instances, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary to treat or manage granulocytopenia.
A Word From Verywell
Low granulocyte levels are a challenging diagnosis to navigate.
Since granulocytopenia is often the result of other disorders, treatment may be complex.
Your healthcare provider must balance the low white blood cell count while protecting you from underlying health problems.
It’s completely normal to feel like the terminology and treatments sound strange and unfamiliar.
Working with your healthcare provider will help you get through the process so you might enjoy better health.
Neutrophils and lymphocytes make up the majority of the subtypes.
Lymphocytopenia would refer to an abnormal low level of lymphocytes.
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Simpson E, Dazzi F.Bone Marrow Transplantation 1957-2019.Front Immunol.
