---
title: "What does a low Neutrophils mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/neutrophils/low"
biomarker: Neutrophils
direction: low
reference_range:
  - "age 18+: 40.0 – 70.0 %"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a low Neutrophils mean?

> A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) is commonly benign and inherited — benign ethnic neutropenia is frequent in people of African and Middle Eastern ancestry — or a temporary dip after a viral infection. Medications (chemotherapy, antithyroid drugs, clozapine, some antibiotics and anticonvulsants), autoimmune disease, B12/folate/copper deficiency and marrow disorders are the other causes. Infection risk rises below about 1.0 × 10³/µL.


## When does this result need same-day care?

- Neutrophils below 0.5 × 10³/µL with fever — emergency care

## What is the normal range for Neutrophils?

- age 18+: 40.0 – 70.0 %

Can reflect viral infection, certain medications (especially chemotherapy), or autoimmune conditions.

## What are the common causes of low Neutrophils?

1. Benign (constitutional/ethnic) neutropenia
2. Recent viral infection
3. Medications: chemotherapy, methimazole, propylthiouracil, clozapine, some antibiotics and anticonvulsants
4. Autoimmune conditions, enlarged spleen
5. B12, folate or copper deficiency
6. Bone-marrow disorders, HIV

## What symptoms go with low Neutrophils?

- Usually none
- Recurrent or severe infections, mouth ulcers when severe

## What do clinicians usually check next?

- Absolute neutrophil count on repeat in 2–4 weeks
- B12, folate, HIV test; medication review
- Hematology referral if below ~1.0 × 10³/µL or falling

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [HIV 1/2 Antigen & Antibodies (4th Gen)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/hiv-test) ($39.99), [Folate (Vitamin B9)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/folate) ($32.99).

## How do you recheck Neutrophils?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel (4 tests) | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| [Blood Clotting Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/blood-clotting-panel) | Panel (4 tests) | $149.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel (5 tests) | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) | Test | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### My neutrophils are 1.4 and I feel fine. Should I worry?

Mild neutropenia that is stable and symptom-free is usually benign, especially if it has always been that way. A repeat and a medication check are the usual steps.

## Related

- [What does a high Neutrophils mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/neutrophils/high)
- [Neutrophils reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/neutrophils)
- [Hemoglobin reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin)
- [Hematocrit reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hematocrit)
- [White Blood Cell Count reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/white-blood-cell-count)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/neutropenia/basics/definition/sym-20050854)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/neutrophils/low
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.