In a Complete Blood Count (CBC), "stabs" refers to immature neutrophils (leukocytes or white blood cells).
Understanding Stabs
- Definition: Stabs, also known as band cells, are a stage in the development of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infection.
- Normal Levels: Normally, adult blood contains less than 1% of its leukocytes in the form of stabs. Elevated levels may indicate an infection or other medical condition.
- Clinical Significance: An elevated number of stabs is sometimes referred to as a "left shift". This usually indicates that the bone marrow is releasing immature neutrophils into the bloodstream to fight an infection or inflammation.
Stabs in CBC Results
A CBC report will typically include:
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): The total number of white blood cells.
- Differential Count: This breaks down the types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Stabs/band cells are included in this differential count.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key points:
| Term | Definition | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Stabs | Immature neutrophils | Elevated levels can indicate infection or inflammation. |
| Neutrophils | Type of white blood cell that fights infection | Essential for immune response; mature neutrophils are usually the most abundant type of white blood cell. |
