Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Elevated GRAN %

I got a copy of my most recent blood test results which contained a couple of "flags" for measures above or below "normal" levels. I'm familiar with all of them with the exception of a new one that appeared on this test. It's labeled "GRAN %" and I'm slightly above the normal range. I don't see my doctor until next week. In the meantime I was wondering if anyone knows what GRAN % is?

Thanks. Tom

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cells. A complete blood count usually includes a WBC differential. This will give a percentage of the different types of WBC's. This used to be done manually using a stained slide and counting under a microscope. In the last few yrs technology has progressed to the point that they can counted electronically at the same time the total WBC is being done. Granulocytes are the most common type of WBC in adults. They are typically increased in infection and/or inflammation. In an acute infection such as appendicitis the granulocyte count will be around 90% and there will most likely be a few "bands" which are immature granulocytes which are present because the body id producing WBC's so rapidly to fight the infection. A slightly elevated Granulocyte count is probably not significant particularly if the total WBC is normal. The second most common typw of WBC are lymphocytes(icreased in viral infections). Then you have a few monocytes,eosinophils,basophils. you may also hear granulocytes called "segs"(the nucleus is segmented) or PMN's(polymorphonuclear neutophils).

Ottis:

Thanks for your input. Very informative!

Tom

It is always a pleasant reminder, especially when Ottis responds to a post, that we have such a wealth of in-house expertise on AS here at KickAS.

Always informative when we hear from you Ottis.

George

Breb Assyl