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Granulocyte
Granulocyte

Granulocyte

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that is made of small granules, which contain proteins. The types of these cells are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Granulocytes help the body fight bacterial infections. The number of granulocytes in the body goes up when there is a serious infection. People with lower numbers of granulocytes are more likely to get bad infections more often.

Granulocytes are counted as part of a white blood cell differential test.

References

Berliner N. Leukocytosis and leukopenia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine.24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 170.

Updated: 1/21/2013

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.


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