Left shift (medicine)
Overview[edit | edit source]
In hematology, a left shift refers to an increase in the number of immature neutrophils in the blood, typically seen in response to infection or inflammation. This phenomenon is characterized by the presence of band cells, which are immature neutrophils, in the peripheral blood.
Causes[edit | edit source]
A left shift is commonly associated with:
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The bone marrow responds to increased demand for neutrophils by releasing immature forms, such as band cells, into the circulation. This is often a compensatory mechanism during acute infection or stress.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The presence of a left shift can be an important diagnostic clue in the evaluation of a patient with suspected infection or inflammatory conditions. It is often assessed in conjunction with a complete blood count (CBC) and differential white blood cell count.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
