Monocytes % (MONO%)

What is Monocytes %?

Monocytes % measures the percentage of monocytes among your total white blood cells. Monocytes are large immune cells that circulate in blood and migrate to tissues where they mature into macrophages. They engulf pathogens, dead cells, and debris while helping coordinate immune responses.

Why is it Tested?

Doctors order monocytes % as part of a complete blood count with differential to evaluate immune function, investigate chronic infections, monitor inflammatory diseases, and screen for certain blood cancers. It helps assess the body’s response to persistent infections and inflammatory conditions.

Normal Ranges

Reference ranges vary by lab, but general adult guidelines:

Adults: 2–8%

Normal monocyte percentages represent a moderate portion of circulating white blood cells, typically 2-8% in healthy adults.

Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Low Monocytes %

Low monocyte percentages may occur with:

Severe bone marrow suppression
Acute stress or illness
Certain medications (corticosteroids)
Aplastic anemia
Some chemotherapy regimens

High Monocytes %

Elevated monocyte percentages (monocytosis) may indicate:

Chronic infections (tuberculosis, endocarditis)
Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Recovery from acute infection
Sarcoidosis

How to Track Over Time

Tracking monocyte percentage trends helps monitor chronic inflammatory conditions and treatment response. Persistent elevation may warrant investigation for underlying autoimmune diseases or chronic infections, while declining percentages typically indicate successful treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Monocytes %