Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC) Test

What are Monocytes?

• Type of White Blood Cell: Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system.
• Function: They help fight infections, remove dead or damaged cells, and regulate the immune response. Monocytes migrate from the blood into tissues where they become macrophages and dendritic cells, which are essential for detecting and eliminating pathogens and presenting antigens to initiate immune responses.

Why is the Absolute Monocyte Count Done?

1. Diagnosis: Helps diagnose and monitor conditions where monocyte levels may be elevated or decreased.
2. Infections: Evaluates the body's response to infections, especially chronic or severe infections.
3. Immune System Disorders: Assesses immune function in conditions like autoimmune diseases, hematological disorders, and certain cancers.

When Should You Get an Absolute Monocyte Count?

• Symptoms: If you have symptoms suggesting an infection (e.g., fever, fatigue), inflammatory diseases, or blood disorders.
• Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic infections, immune system disorders, or cancers of the blood and lymphatic system.
• Monitoring: To monitor response to treatments affecting the immune system, such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.