Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio
Understanding Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio
What is Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio?
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio is defined by the absolute number of neutrophils divided by the absolute number of lymphocytes. Under physiological stress, the level of both neutrophils and lymphocytes changes. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that can be used as an indicator of systemic inflammation such as cancer, community and sepsis. It is also used to distinguish septic shock from cardiogenic shock and also to distinguish toxic shock from viral infection.
What does Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio measure?
The Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio test measures two types of white blood cells in your blood: neutrophils and lymphocytes. Neutrophils help fight infections, especially bacterial ones, while lymphocytes are important for fighting viral infections and keeping the immune system balanced. The NLR is calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes. A high NLR can suggest inflammation, infection, or stress in the body, while a low NLR might indicate a healthy immune system or, in some cases, a weak immune response. This test can give doctors useful information to help assess individuals overall health.
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