Bands, also known as band cells or stabs, are immature neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) reported as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential.
In more detail:
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Bands are immature neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting infection. They mature in the bone marrow before being released into the bloodstream.
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CBC with differential: A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is a common blood test that measures different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The "differential" part of the test specifically identifies and counts the different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils (segmented and bands), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
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Function of neutrophils (including bands): Neutrophils, both mature (segmented neutrophils) and immature (bands), are phagocytes. This means they engulf and destroy bacteria, fungi, and other foreign invaders in the body.
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Clinical Significance: A high number of bands in the blood (a "left shift") can indicate that the body is fighting a serious infection or inflammation. This is because the bone marrow is releasing immature neutrophils into circulation in an attempt to combat the problem. However, elevated bands can also be caused by other conditions, such as certain cancers.
Therefore, while the CBC report lists bands as part of the white blood cell differential, they represent an immature stage of a specific type of white blood cell called a neutrophil, indicating the body's response to infection or inflammation.
