Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), primarily neutrophils, are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response to bacterial infections. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the presence of elevated PMNs, known as neutrophilic pleocytosis, typically indicates acute inflammation or infection in the central nervous system (CNS). Normal CSF contains 0-5 PMNs/µL, and significant increases are often associated with conditions such as bacterial meningitis, where PMNs can exceed 80% of the total white blood cell count, as well as early viral meningitis, CNS abscesses, trauma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The detection of elevated PMNs is a key diagnostic indicator for distinguishing bacterial infections from viral or other causes, necessitating further tests like CSF glucose and protein levels to determine the underlying issue. Prompt evaluation and treatment are critical, particularly in life-threatening situations like bacterial meningitis.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. PMNs are a subtype of leukocytes, which protect the body against infectious organisms.

PMNs are also known as granulocytes. They play a central role in the innate immune system.

In normal conditions, the most common PMN, by far, is the neutrophil. These make up the most significant amount of blood cells produced by the bone marrow and are the first line of defense in protecting the body from infection.

If your doctor tests your urine and finds too many leukocytes, it could be a sign of infection.

Polymorphs (Absolute), also known as the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) or POLYS, ABS. COUNT, is a lab test that measures the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in a specific volume of blood, typically expressed in cells per microliter (cells/µL).

Neutrophils are a type of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (hence “polymorphs”), and they play a critical role in the body’s immune response, especially in defending against bacterial and fungal infections.

Polymorphs — also reported as POLYS, neutrophils (%), or polymorphonuclear leukocytes — represent the proportion of neutrophils in your white blood cell differential count. The normal range is approximately 40–75%; a high percentage typically indicates the immune system is fighting a bacterial infection or responding to inflammation, while a low percentage is most often caused by a viral infection causing a relative rise in lymphocytes. The percentage alone does not tell the full story — the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must also be evaluated to determine whether a true increase or decrease in neutrophil number exists.

Polys, also written as PMNs (polymorphonuclear leukocytes), are primarily neutrophils — the most abundant white blood cells in a healthy adult. In microbiology reports (gram stain, sputum culture, wound culture, urine analysis), PMNs are reported qualitatively: rare, few, moderate, many, heavy, or abundant. In blood tests (CBC), they appear as Polys% (percentage) or Polys Absolute Count. Their presence reflects the degree of immune response at a site of infection or inflammation. High PMN counts suggest bacterial infection; PMN presence in sputum also helps assess whether a sample is adequate for culture. PMNs do not require treatment on their own — they are a marker of the underlying condition.

The CSF PMN % biomarker refers to the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), commonly known as neutrophils, found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PMNs are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, and their presence in CSF can indicate inflammation or infection within the central nervous system. Typically, CSF contains very few white blood cells, and a low PMN percentage is considered normal.

The Porphobilinogen Deaminase, Whole Blood test is used to a) confirm a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) following a positive urine porphobilinogen (PBG) test and/or b) to evaluate disease risk in family members of an individual with a confirmed diagnosis of AIP.

Porphobilinogen deaminase, also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase, is commonly confused with uroporphyrinogen III synthase, the enzyme deficient in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP).

The porphyrias are a group of inherited disorders resulting from enzyme defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is caused by diminished erythrocyte activity of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase or hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS).

Onset of AIP typically occurs during puberty or later. Individuals may experience acute episodes of neuropathic symptoms.

Porphyrins are natural chemicals in the body that help form many important substances in the body. One of these is hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.

Function of this test:

a) To monitor porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a rare disorder characterized by painful, blistering skin lesions that develop on sun-exposed skin (photosensitivity). Affected skin is fragile and may peel or blister after minor trauma. Liver abnormalities may also occur. 

b) To confirm diagnosis of suspected variegate porphyria (VP) 

Variegate porphyria (VP) is classified as both a cutaneous and an acute porphyria. It can present with chronic blistering cutaneous manifestations and/or acute attacks of neurovisceral manifestations that may become chronic.

c) To comfirm erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited porphyria resulting in the accumulation of protoporphyrins in red blood cells that causes acute, painful photosensitivity and potential liver disease. It typically presents in early childhood with immediate pain and crying upon exposure to bright sunlight.

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

The level of Potassium (K) in hair does not reflect nutritional status or dietary intake. However, hair K levels may provide clinically relevant information pertaining to adrenal function and/or electrolyte balance