Segmented Neutrophils Versus Polymorphonuclear WBC

Author: David Baorto, MD, PhD
Date Written: 2011-04-17

Segmented neutrophils are commonly referred to as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, PMNs, or “polys”. Therefore, in common usage the term polymorphonuclear leukocyte (or polymorphonuclear WBC) refers to neutrophils. Caution coding in this area should be applied because there is a usage whereby all granulocytes, including neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils, can be referred to as polymorphonuclear cells due to the variable shape of their nuclei. Basophils can therefore be referred to as polymorphonuclear basophil (PMB), eosinophils as polymorphonuclear eosinophils (PME), in addition to neutrophils (polymorphonuclear neutrophil, PMN).

Refer to the following Wikipedia page for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granulocyte.

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