A tool employed in healthcare assesses the proportion of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infection, relative to lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell vital for adaptive immunity. This calculation yields a numerical value that can offer insights into the state of a patient’s immune system. As an example, a higher value often suggests increased inflammation or stress within the body.
Evaluating this proportion can assist in risk stratification across various conditions, from cardiovascular diseases to certain cancers. Historically, the manual assessment of white blood cell differentials was time-consuming; automated systems have streamlined this process, making the ratio readily available. The derived values contribute to a broader understanding of a patient’s overall health status and potential disease prognosis.
