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What Are Neutrophils?

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 02, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that protects us from bacterial infections.

Chemotherapy for lung cancer can reduce the number of neutrophils in the blood stream (can cause neutropenia), and increase the risk for developing an infection.

Examples:
Olivia's neutrophil count was low following her chemotherapy treatment, so her oncologist recommended she begin antibiotics to prevent an infection.

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