The Monos blood test is part of a complete blood count [CBC]. The CBC is the most common blood test that is ordered by doctors today. It examines the components that make up the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The different types of cells are also counted and monos cells are a type of white blood cell.
All of a person’s blood cells are made in the bone marrow. That’s what is in the middle the larger bones of the body and certain diseases, medications, or injuries can affect how many blood cells are being produced. The CBC is ordered as part of a routine screening and may just be used as a measurement of overall health.
What Are the Monos?
The Monos blood test portion of the CBC is used to measure the monocytes or macrophages that are in the blood. These white blood cells make up to 8% of the total white blood cells that are in the blood at any given time. They have one job to do: to absorb the germs that have invaded the body. When these cells are in the blood, they are called monocytes. When they settle into tissues, they are referred to as macrophages, but are still the same cell.
Monocytes are the largest blood cells there are and they will spend 24-72 hours floating around in the blood before settling into tissues. At any given time, about half of them can be found in the spleen.
Most people will have a normal count when the CBC is ordered. There may also be a high test result or a low test result and each may have specific health complications that would need to be discussed with a local medical professional.
What Does a High Count Mean?
If the Monos blood test comes back with a high count, it means that there is some sort of infection that is going on. Monocytes and macrophages are typically produced in higher numbers when there is a bacterial infection present. A high count is also possible for any type of illness, infection, or disease that is caused by a foreign body, such as a virus or a fungal infection.
Some people have a naturally high count of these white blood cells. This will be tracked over time with a series of CBC tests that have been ordered. Sometimes a high count is an indicator of recovery as well, especially if the blood test has been ordered to track an illness that causes an autoimmune reduction.
High levels of cortisol that are in the body chronically can also cause a high monos count. In this circumstance, ways to reduce stress will be recommended.
A high monos count may also be an indication of an untreated autoimmune disorder being present, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If there is a specific health concern, a doctor will follow-up the CBC with other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
What Does a Low Count Mean?
If the Monos blood test has a result that is lower than 2%, then this can be an indication that there is an autoimmune disorder present. People who have had an organ transplant, for example, may have a low monos count because of the medication that is being taken to reduce the risks of rejection.
Certain illnesses and viruses that cause inflammation with the body can also cause a low monos count. This can include malaria, tuberculosis, or an Epstein-Barr infection.
A very low count or a zero count may be an indication that there is a serious problem with a person’s bone marrow. This condition is called leukopenia and it means that the body cannot fight off an infection as well as it should. Chemotherapy is a common reason why a monos count would be low.
It Is a Picture of Overall Health
For most people, the Monos blood test is just one piece of the puzzle to their overall health. Although variations in the overall count can be an indication that there is something wrong, the results from the CBC are not considered a screening tool or definitive result. If there is an abnormality on this test, then follow-up tests will be ordered to confirm a diagnosis.
This blood test can be used to rule out certain health concerns, however, so having an annual CBC isn’t a bad idea. You may be asked to follow specific instructions before the blood draw. Make sure to follow them precisely to make sure the Monos blood test is accurate.