Which department should I visit for low neutrophil count?
Neutropenia can be evaluated in the hematology department.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell and an important component in routine blood tests, often serving as an indicator of infection. Neutropenia is defined as a neutrophil count below the normal range of 1.8–6.3 × 10⁹/L. Neutrophils are white blood cells with phagocytic and microbicidal functions, playing a crucial role in the body's defense against infections. Treatment for low neutrophil counts includes eliminating underlying causes, preventing secondary infections, and, when necessary, blood transfusions. If neutropenia is caused by medications such as ganciclovir, the drug should be discontinued immediately, and exposure to radiation or other toxic substances should be avoided. Patients who develop fever or suspected infection should be hospitalized promptly. In cases of confirmed infection, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as levofloxacin should be administered immediately.
If neutrophil counts remain persistently low, timely medical evaluation is essential to determine whether there is an abnormality in bone marrow hematopoiesis.