Highly targeted on the leukogram usually indicates the presence of a infection caused by bacteria or fungi. However, the increase in the number of targeted in the complete blood count can also be caused by inflammations, tumors, hemorrhages, use of certain medications, among others.
Targeted are the neutrophils mature, defense cells that are part of the body's immune system. Neutrophils make up the group of cells known as White blood cells, along with eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes.
In addition to diseases, the level of segmented may also be high in some temporary conditions, such as infarction, after intense physical activity, postoperative, use of some medications such as corticosteroids, lithium and epinephrine, smoking and gestation.
Newborns may also have high segmented rates in the first few days after birth.
Recalling that increasing the number of targeted is not a disease in itself, but a sign that something is occurring in the body. Since elevation of these white blood cells may indicate serious diseases, it needs to be investigated.
The outcome of the leukogram, as well as the whole blood count, should be interpreted by the doctor who requested the examination, along with the patient's clinical examination.
Learn more at:
Segmented low on leukogram, what can it be?
High blood count sticks, what can it be?
Myocytes high or low on leukogram, what does it mean?
High blood count neutrophils: What does it mean?
Leukogram: What is it for and what are the reference values?
