Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio
NLR
Description
"Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)" test compares the number of neutrophils to lymphocytes in your blood, offering a snapshot of your immune balance. It’s often ordered when there’s concern about inflammation, infection, or stress on the body. A high ratio may point to acute illness or chronic disease risk, while a low ratio could suggest immune dysfunction. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms and support diagnosis. Tracking NLR over time helps monitor systemic health and guide treatment decisions.
Category
Blood Cells
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Whole Blood
Units
Ratio
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Hematology Group, Immune System Group, Blood Count Differentials Group
Test Group Description
Blood Count Differentials Group: This group comprises tests essential for evaluating the different types of blood cells, offering detailed insights into blood cell composition, and aiding in the diagnosis of various blood disorders. Immune System Group: By evaluating various aspects of immune system function and health, this group offers insights into immune responses and related health considerations. Hematology Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating various aspects of blood health and function. These assessments provide insights into red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components of the blood.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 1.00–2.00 ratio
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 1.0–3.0 ratio
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Ankylosing spondylitis (Spinal arthritis)
Asthma (Chronic respiratory condition)
Bacterial infections
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Chronic lung condition)
Chronic stress
Diabetes (High...
Key Reasons For Testing
Inflammation Marker: Reflects levels of systemic inflammation in conditions like arthritis or infections.
Infection Differentiation: Differentiates bacterial from viral infections, aiding diagnosis.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Elevated NLR predicts higher risks of heart attack or stroke.
Prognostic Indicator: Predicts outcomes in conditions like sepsis or cancer.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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