Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

Monocytes: What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Shows the percentage or absolute number of monocytes, immune cells involved in clearing microorganisms and regulating immune responses.

Test summary

Test name: Monocytes
Abbreviations: MON, Mono
Category: Hematology / Immunology
Panel: WBC Differential / Hemogram
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: %, /µL, x10^9/L

What does the test measure?

Shows the percentage or absolute number of monocytes, immune cells involved in clearing microorganisms and regulating immune responses.

Why is the test ordered?

Used as part of the white blood cell differential when evaluating infection, inflammation, and hematologic conditions.

Information about a low result

A low monocyte result is often nonspecific on its own and is usually interpreted with the other white-cell values.

Information about a high result

A high monocyte result may occur with some infections, inflammatory conditions, or hematologic disorders.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference range 1

>= 2 – <= 8 %

Population: General
Specimen: Whole blood

Example differential percentage

MedlinePlus example differential percentage; absolute counts and lab-specific ranges may be more relevant.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Percentage and absolute counts should be interpreted together and in the context of the total WBC count.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Hematology
Infectious Diseases

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Blood Differential — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil roles and example percentages · Verified: Aug 11, 2026