Bandemia
Background
- Bandemia (also referred to as a "left shift") refers to an excess of immature neutrophil precursor cells (band cells)
- The origin of the phrase "left shift," is commonly thought to stem from the left-most button arrangement of early cell sorting machines
- A left shift refers SPECIFICALLY to increase bands and not increased neutrophils, which can increase in the setting of seizure, MI, pain or any stress response.
Clinical Features
- There are no clinical features specific to bandemia
- Generally defined as > 6% band cells on a CBC w/ diff
Differential Diagnosis
- Bandemia typically indicates a serious underlying inflammatory or infectious process