🐭 RAT series
Points to Ponder for NEET-PG, FMGE & NEXT
- The Arneth count assesses neutrophil maturity based on nuclear lobe number.
- A left shift suggests increased bone marrow activity, often due to acute inflammatory processes like infections.
- A right shift is less common and indicates impaired neutrophil production, potentially due to vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow suppression.
Definition: The Arneth count is a method for classifying neutrophils based on the number of lobes in their nuclei. It provides a semi-quantitative assessment of neutrophil maturity.
Normal Distribution:
- N1 (1 lobe): 2-10%
- N2 (2 lobes): 20-30%
- N3 (3 lobes): 40-50%
- N4 (4 lobes): 10-15%
- N5 (5 or more lobes): 2-5%
Interpretation:
- Left Shift: Increased percentage of neutrophils with fewer lobes (N1 and N2). This indicates increased bone marrow activity and can be seen in:
- Infections (bacterial, tuberculosis)
- Malignant tumors
- Hemolytic crises
- Myocardial infarction
- Acidosis
- Irradiation
- Right Shift (Less Common): Increased percentage of neutrophils with more lobes (N4 and N5). This suggests impaired bone marrow function and can be associated with:
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Aplastic anemia
- Septicemia (late stage)
- Chronic uremia
- Liver disease
