Monocytes
Monocytes are large white blood cells that move from the blood into tissues, where they clear away invaders and worn-out cells.
Monocytes are large white blood cells that move from the blood into tissues, where they clear away invaders and worn-out cells. In the tissues they become macrophages, which engulf germs and debris, or dendritic cells, which show other immune cells what to respond to. They circulate for one to three days before moving on. The test counts how many monocytes there are in the blood.
A recent cold or infection often raises monocytes for a while, and they can also rise during recovery after an illness. Hard training, stress and smoking play a part, and some medicines, such as cortisone, change the count.
Foods that help
A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish and enough protein gives the immune system what it needs. Regular exercise and good sleep also matter.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol, a diet built on ultra-processed food and sugar, and too little sleep put extra strain on the body and can affect the immune system.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →