CBC Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: CBC
The absolute monocyte count (AMC) measures the number of monocytes a type of white blood cell in a given volume of blood. Monocytes are part of the innate immune system and mature into macrophages and dendritic cells that clear pathogens and debris and help regulate inflammation. The test is reported as part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential and helps detect responses to infection, chronic inflammation, recovery from bone marrow suppression, or clonal blood disorders. Indications include prolonged fever, recurrent or unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, lymphadenopathy or abnormal CBC results. Normal AMC varies by age (infants tend to have higher counts), pregnancy, and between laboratories; sex differences are minimal.
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Symptom Checker0.2-0.8 x10^9/L OR 200-800 cells/µL
Q: What does a high abs monocytes mean?
A: An elevated absolute monocyte count (monocytosis) often signals chronic infection, inflammation or immune activation for example tuberculosis, viral infections, sarcoidosis, or autoimmune diseases. It can also reflect recovery from acute infection, stress responses, or less commonly hematologic disorders such as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Interpretation requires clinical correlation; discuss results with your clinician who may repeat the CBC, check inflammatory markers and order targeted tests.
Q: What happens if the absolute monocyte count is low?
A: A low absolute monocyte count (monocytopenia) weakens innate immunity and impairs clearance of pathogens and cell debris. People may be more prone to infections—especially intracellular organisms—and have poorer resolution of inflammation. Causes include bone marrow suppression, certain medications, severe stress or acute infections. Persistent monocytopenia warrants evaluation to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Q: What infections cause high monocytes?
A: Monocytosis (high monocytes) is seen with chronic or persistent infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and syphilis; certain bacterial infections including subacute bacterial endocarditis; viral infections like Epstein–Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis), cytomegalovirus, and chronic HIV; parasitic infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis; and fungal infections like histoplasmosis. It also appears during recovery after acute infections.
Q: What disease causes low monocytes?
A: Low monocyte count (monocytopenia) is seen in bone marrow failure (aplastic anemia), hematologic cancers (acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes), chemotherapy or radiation, prolonged corticosteroid use, severe infections or sepsis, and HIV. It can also occur in certain inherited immunodeficiencies and after immunosuppressive treatments. Evaluation usually includes blood counts, bone marrow examination, and testing for infection or medication effects.
Q: How to improve monocyte count?
A: To raise low monocyte counts, treat underlying causes (infections, autoimmune disease, medications) with your doctor. Support immune recovery with balanced nutrition rich in protein, vitamins B12, folate, C, D, zinc and adequate calories; regular moderate exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. In some cases physicians use medications or growth factors—don’t self-medicate; monitor counts and follow medical advice.
Q: How to avoid high monocytes?
A: To lower the risk of elevated monocytes, prevent and treat infections (vaccination, hand hygiene), manage chronic inflammation and underlying conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disease), stop smoking and limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight with balanced diet and regular exercise, get adequate sleep and stress management, and attend routine medical checkups to diagnose and treat persistent infections or blood disorders promptly.