Monocytes (MNC) (MONO)

Monocytes are one of the largest types of white blood cells. Each type of white blood cell has a unique role. Monocytes are responsible for attacking and breaking down germs and bacteria that enter the body.

Monocytes are phagocytic cells. This means they break down infections by “eating” them. They use their plasma membrane to engulf and break down dead cells or harmful foreign particles and bacteria.

Monocytes typically make up a fairly small percentage of your white blood cells. Getting your absolute monocyte levels checked as part of a routine blood test is one way to monitor the health of your immune system and your blood.

Normal Range Values: 0,2 - 0,8 10⁹/л 1-10%

Low Levels of Monocytes (Monocytopenia) In monocytopenia, the number of monocytes circulating in the blood is decreased to less than 0.2×10⁹/L in adults. Monocytopenia itself does not appear to produce symptoms, and patients usually only show symptoms related to an associated condition.

Monocytosis or a monocyte count higher than 800/µL in adults indicates that the body is fighting an infection. Some conditions that may attribute to a high monocyte count include: Viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis, mumps, and measles. Parasitic infections such as malaria or kala-azar.