Blood Health
Absolute Monocytes
What This Marker Tells Us
Measures large white blood cells that become macrophages in tissues, where they engulf pathogens, present antigens, and orchestrate immune responses.
Why It Matters
Monocytes circulate briefly in blood before migrating into tissues and maturing into macrophages or dendritic cells. These cells phagocytose (eat) bacteria, dead cells, and debris; present antigens to activate other immune cells; and produce inflammatory signals. Elevated monocytes (monocytosis) indicate chronic infections (tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, fungal infections), inflammatory conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis), recovery phase from acute infection, or rarely monocytic leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders. Low monocytes are less significant clinically. Persistent monocytosis warrants investigation for chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or blood disorders. Monocytes comprise 2-10% of total WBC.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Normal absolute monocyte count is approximately 200-950 cells/μL (2-10% of WBC). Monocytosis (above 950 cells/μL or 10%) may indicate chronic infection (TB, endocarditis, fungal), inflammatory conditions (IBD, rheumatoid arthritis), recovery from acute infection, or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Mild monocytosis (950-1,500 cells/μL) commonly reflects chronic inflammation or infection. Marked monocytosis (above 1,500 cells/μL) raises concern for CMML or other myeloproliferative disorders, especially in older adults. Low monocytes (below 200 cells/μL) are uncommon and less clinically significant.
What Influences This Marker
Monocytes increase with chronic infections (tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, fungal, syphilis), inflammatory conditions (IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, lupus), recovery phase of acute infections, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, other myeloproliferative disorders, and sometimes with stress or steroids. They decrease with hairy cell leukemia, aplastic anemia, chemotherapy, HIV, and certain medications. Smoking can elevate monocytes chronically.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach addresses chronic inflammatory patterns through anti-inflammatory dietary strategies rich in omega-3 fatty acids, colorful vegetables, and whole foods while limiting processed foods. They ensure adequate sleep and stress management to support immune regulation, and monitor for signs of infection requiring medical attention.
Related Signals We Also Review
Total WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hs-CRP, ESR, infectious disease screening (TB, fungal, endocarditis workup), and autoimmune markers when indicated.