Left shift (medicine)

Overview

A neutrophilic band cell, indicative of a left shift.

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

A left shift is commonly associated with:

• Bacterial infections
• Inflammation
• Tissue necrosis
• Myeloproliferative disorders

Pathophysiology

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

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.

Related Pages

• Neutrophil
• Hematology
• Complete blood count
• Infection