Monocytes are white blood cells that mature into macrophages in tissues, where they clear debris, fight chronic infections, and coordinate inflammatory responses. They typically comprise 2-10% of white blood cells.
Elevated monocytes can indicate chronic inflammation, chronic infections (especially atypical bacteria or fungi), autoimmune disease, or recovery from acute illness. Low monocytes are less common and less clinically significant in isolation. Monocyte percentages trending upward alongside other inflammatory markers may signal chronic inflammatory processes that warrant further investigation.
Optimal Monocytes: 2-8 %.
Typically re-tested every 12 weeks.